Autism: Surviving and Thriving

Fourteen years ago my youngest 3 boys were diagnosed with autism within a 9 month span. Devastation and grieving followed. Doctors gave me little or no hope, but they didn't know me very well. I refused to believe that my boys were doomed.

My boys are now young men, adults with autism. They are thriving, but every day presents its turmoil and challenges.

My family: husband Mike, sons Ryan 23 yr, Nicholas 21 yr, and Cameron 18 yr. (Ryan and Nick have autism; Cam has recovered from autism.) Our oldest sons, Michael 34 yr and Stuart 25 yr, moved out of the house. Ryan has also moved out, and is still working towards complete independence.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Do Not Worry--Easier Said Than Done


Matthew 6:33-34

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
This is my favorite passage out of the bible. It answers all worry and strife.
First, seek God. He made us. I just wish He gave us a roadmap in plain English, especially when it comes to raising our children--with and without special needs. I guess that would be too easy, and that would not make us seek Him out.
Side note: If it's any consolation, a line in a movie made me feel much better about raising kids. Paraphrased, in all the history of mankind, not one child has been raised right. (Mrs. C. please help with the name of that movie, starring Jimmy Stewart.)
Second, God will provide us what we need. We may disagree with the timing and with the things required, but He will provide. I think this is the hardest to accept.
Third, it says, ..."do not worry..." How much effort and time are wasted worrying, and does it solve anything? No. I think moms are wired to worry, but we'd be more effective if we overcame it. Sleepless nights spent thinking about something that we can't change only produces black circles under the eyes and crabby attitudes. Of course, that is easier said than done.
Here is more of the passage:

Matthew 6:28-34

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

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