The Missing Puzzle of Spirit

Devotion

5-14-10

 

The Missing Puzzle of Spirit

Proverbs 15:3

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good.”

Have you ever spent time with someone who has autism? It is amazing to look into their eyes and feel as if they are looking right through you. You may have known someone with autism and wondered how you could reach them. Did you ever ask the question, “Where are you, sweetheart? I know you’re in there somewhere” to an person with autism? Well every day I work with people in similar states of being. The challenges can be tough but oh the rewards for being a part of the increasing of their life’s quality.

 

These children need us to guide them, to direct them, to be firm with them and yet to be filled with compassion and understanding for them.  I ache inside for the parents who love them so much. Oh what a struggle it must be to face such a challenge every single day of their lives.  To have that longing for having a conversation with their child and to have a relationship that is fully understood.  The Mother of a child with autism loves her little boy or girl so deeply and yet she may wonder if her child really knows how much she loves him/her or if he/she understands just who she is. Nevertheless, with all her heart she will give whatever it takes to get her child’s attention long enough to instruct him with words and actions to protect him and to express her love for him.  Sometimes the child, while walking in public, will suddenly begin to run ahead. Mom has to catch him and calm him long enough to get him back on tract.  He has no idea of the dangers that are all around him. He needs help to make it through the simple things and it makes all the difference in his little world to have someone who cares about his condition and to reach out and touch him.

 

We are much the same with the Lord.  We wander around unaware just how much danger is lurking around every corner of our lives.  We take off running, thinking we can handle everything ourselves yet we have no idea where we are going.  The decisions we make are often absent from calling upon the Lord for His help.  God looks down at us and wonders where we are and what He must do to get our attention so we will follow Him.  We think we don’t need Him and push Him aside. But He just keeps standing beside us waiting for us to take His hand and let Him guide us to where we belong. 

No matter where we go, He is there.  No matter what we do, He is there.  He sees our needs and has a deep love for us as His children, no matter our condition.  He wants to have a relationship with us but knows it won’t happen until somehow we hear His voice calling and we answer.  Autistic children are loved by the ones who gave them life, their parents, just as our heavenly Father loves us. He gives us life.  He wants to reach our hearts and change our lives completely. He is looking at us and wondering where we are, where is the missing puzzle piece?  

 

What is God saying to you today? What is He telling you to do? What dangers does He want to protect you from? Do you see Him looking deeply into your eyes and telling you He loves you? Don’t have an autistic like spirit unable to comprehend His words. Reach out, take His hand, trust His leading and let Him guide you safely to your destination.  His eyes are upon you, staying alert, watching for your own good and waiting for you to understand He loves you.  (This devotion is dedicated to the parents who have children with autism. You are in our prayers.)