A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34
On a rare occasion, Marcia and her family were eating in a restaurant—fast food, of course. They came early because public outings are difficult for Marcia and they wanted a table in the overflow room before it got crowded. Marcia had eaten her chicken nuggets (one of the few foods on her preferred list), enjoyed her ice cream, then was ready to do something different. Marcia sat at the table with her headphones on, intently focused on her tablet. The speaker system played loud, lively music and Marcia’s parents knew that it wouldn’t take long for the noise to bother Marcia.
To outsiders, it looked like Marcia was rude to her family. They talked and laughed while Marcia was in her own world. But to those who know and understand the world of autism, they know Marcia was simply coping with her sensory issues and her parents were embracing that.
Do you feel uncomfortable when you are around those who are different from you? Do you even find yourself criticizing others when they don’t act the same?
God has told us to love everyone. Period. He doesn’t say love those who act like us. We are all His children and He treats us exactly the same. And each one of us is unique in some way, it just may not be visible.
Why not seek out a friend with special needs and love on him or her today.
Lord, thank you for making us all special in some way. Thank you for loving us as if we were the only ones.
Linda Gilden, an award-winning author of over a dozen books, speaker, and personality and communications trainer, sometimes struggles with forgiveness. But she knows that God will help her forgive and restore relationships because that is His plan. Visit her at www.lindagilden.com