Today was an interesting day. Thankfully, the yard got mowed yesterday prior to the next round of rain. Today was about something close to my heart. Of course, it did not have quite the same surprise as finding a huge tree in my backyard in a prone position. That was an odd moment to be sure. Today was more about children. To be specific, it was about children who have special needs. This always matters to me.

My youngest is autistic. He is still my best bud no matter the diagnosis. He was approaching three years old when we found out the cause behind his behavior. This began with all types of testing that continued after the initial discovery. He is now 13 and a full blooded guy. School is a struggle for him this year. We found that out today. It seems that his attention span is not stretching longer as the days go by. Perhaps he is bored with his work. He may also be having issues as his level of education progresses. Regardless, we will keep moving forward. It goes without saying that my heart overflows with both pride and love even if he is not "normal."

My day revolved around going to the local hospital to see a newborn little guy. He is only a few days old but is already labeled as Down's Syndrome. To me he is a handsome little man. Some may find fault with the mother who is very young. It is her second child. There can be little doubt that the two kids cut against the grain of God's desire for family life. However, we have to accept the fact there are two adorable children now making their journey through our world. And how will we respond to this terrific infant boy who faces untold obstacles in the future?

My response was to slip into the nursery at the hospital to hold him. His possible disabilities do not show up much yet. To me, he is just a good looking boy who will give his family a run for their money. Every child matters. Even Jesus said as much while He was walking among us. They deserve all the love and care than is due them. Sadly, too many children live day to day without that devotion or affirmation. There are far too many children who live in the heritage of hate with parents who never knew love in their own life. What is tragic is how many of these will recycle their pain into their offspring. Did not our Lord suggest that our behavior toward those who are innocent goes a long way in measuring how our heart is for Him?

My mind still has no answers as to why children are born disabled. But there is no doubt that they are very much valuable to our world. My son's life allows me to see other children who have their peculiar set of issues. Today we label them as special needs children. Some are locked into a wheelchair for their duration of life. There are those who have the painful prognosis of a short life span. Some of the kids need constant observation or attention to even the simplest of hygiene matters. It is both heart breaking and thrilling to watch them in action. Many have no idea of their being different. They just live and laugh in spite of the problems. Surely there is a special place in heaven for children such as these. They challenge us to be more than self centered adults whose only interest is of being pleased. We are forced to take stock of our own weirdness along the way. God seems to use such angelic creatures to move us to depend on Him for strength. It works that way for me.

So, my advice to my new young friend is to get ready for the ride of your life. You are welcome into my circle of friends. You matter very much to God just as you are. Isn't that how it should be for all of us?

Bro. Trey