Last month I wrote about “Little Dean” and the anxieties his parents and grandparents are feeling over sending him to kindergarten as a non-verbal autistic student.
First, I want to thank those who said they were praying for him and his family. That means so much to us.
Second, I want to share what happened this past Sunday. I believe it was God’s way of speaking to my heart and encouraging me about Dean heading off to school and the peers he will encounter.
Worship in the Park
Three times each summer, our church has Worship in the Park. This was one of those Sundays.
It’s a beautiful park with a brand-new bandstand, huge shade trees, and a lush carpet of green grass. Spearfish Creek runs along the west boundary. Everyone who comes to the service brings lawn chairs or blankets. From the bandstand, two to three hundred people scatter across the lawn like an open folding fan.
We found a spot near a large elm tree and set up our canvas chairs. More chairs and blankets began filling the grass—some people seeking shade, others choosing the warm sunshine.
A Sermon on the Blanket
As we sang This Is My Father’s World, I glanced to my left. Sitting on a blanket about forty feet away was a young grade-school boy—maybe ten years old—with Down’s Syndrome.
Almost as if it had been arranged, I had a perfectly unobstructed view of him. No trees, chairs, or people blocked my line of sight. He looked serious, his mouth turned down as if he were deep in thought—or maybe sad.
Then something happened that changed everything.
A young girl—perhaps twelve years old (not a sibling)—plopped down on the blanket, directly facing him. She stretched out her arms and drew him into a long, gentle hug.
The boy seemed to relax, soaking in the love she offered. When she pulled back, she looked him in the eye and spoke. He nodded and smiled. Something she said had shifted his whole expression.
I nudged my husband and whispered, “Look how she’s relating to the special-needs boy.” He knew why this moment mattered so much to me.
The girl continued rubbing the boy’s shoulder while she spoke softly to him. It was compassion in its purest form—and it moved me deeply that it came from a heart so young.
The Message That Stays
Pastor Jon’s sermon from the bandstand was wonderful, as his sermons always are. But honestly, it may not stay with me for long.
The one on the blanket, though—I will likely never forget. That sermon carried a message that was personal and unforgettable.
I thought of Little Dean and the children he will meet this year, and my heart was encouraged.
God’s Gentle Reminders
God works in mysterious ways. I wonder if He delights in orchestrating these surprise moments.
I’m so glad I didn’t miss this one. I felt like the honored guest. How many others even noticed what brought me such peace?
God provided just what I needed—a special-needs boy and his compassionate friend.
Until next month, keep on readin’, and I’ll keep on writin’.
Sue
That is beautiful! I’m always amazed at how God meets our needs in unique and marvelous ways. You are blessed….we are all blessed…..may we all be more in tune with the way God speaks to us, so that we won’t miss His messages to us.
Marlene
Wow – that was a message on a blanket. I’m so thankful that not only you got to see it, that you shared it with all of us who read your blog. The message is going on and on. It brought tears to my eyes as I could just see and feel the compassion the message you were sharing with us! Thank you. I’ll keep readin and you keep writin!!!!!