The Perfect Story: There was a perfect man who met a perfect woman. After a perfect courtship, they had a perfect wedding. Then they had perfect children and were the perfect parents. Their life together was, of course, perfect. The End. Perfect. That’s how I always pictured how my life story was going to go. Wrong! It’s going more like this: There was an imperfect man who met an … [Read more...]
Becoming An Intentional Parent
It happened years ago but I still remember it today with crystal clarity. We were at the pool enjoying a warm summer day. Jacob, who is my son on the moderate end of the autism spectrum, was joyfully walking around the edge of the pool holding a small plastic ball in his hands. I turned to grab some sun tan lotion. It was only a couple of seconds that I had my back to the pool. Seconds. And … [Read more...]
When you feel invisible, remember God sees
Earlier this year I attended a national autism conference. Over 600 parents gathered together to learn more about autism, the latest learning technology, and perhaps the key to unlocking their child's potential. For two days I meandered around the conference. Everyone seemed hurried. Determined. Eyes straight ahead. Bent on trying to get to their next break-out session. I remember … [Read more...]
How We Define Our Children
Maybe some of you are like me. Raised in a Christian home where I often felt defined by what I didn’t do. Don’t lie, Don’t swear, Don’t steal, Don’t cheat, and Don’t hang around other boys who do. To no surprise, I found that in my early years of parenting two boys with severe autism that I had been guilty of spending more time on the “dont’s“ than the “do’s.” I spent more time … [Read more...]
Psalm 23 For The Special Needs Journey
The book of Psalms contains some of the most beautiful promises ever written. As a father, I have discovered that the psalms capture the love, heartache, joy, and weariness of parenting children with special needs. The book of Psalms is the place you can go when you're hurting and needing a reminder of God’s faithful promises. Mom…dad…I encourage you to find a psalm that speaks to where … [Read more...]
The Comparison Trap
"I can't believe that her son is already talking. I'm still struggling to get mine to say his first words!" "Look at that mom taking all of those pictures of her daughter. I haven't taken a photo in a year. I am such a bad mom." "Ugh. Look how healthy her kids are eating. I have to get it together in the meal department." Does this sound familiar? Do you ever find yourself thinking … [Read more...]