It’s that time of the year where school break happens, Christmas is over and time at home begins. What do you do? Where do you go? Who do you see?

Everything that is touristy is usually very, very busy during this time of year so you have to figure out how you are going to spend your time and what activities your child or teen can have fun participating in.

These have changed tremendously for us over the years. When our children were younger, we simply tried to stay away from super-busy places as it was a sensory nightmare for both of them. I tried many places and failed miserably but that never stopped me from trying. Sometimes I would get dirty looks or hear whispers behind my back but it never stopped me from trying new things. One of the benefits of having autism is that many times, especially when a child is younger, they don’t really care what others think and sometimes this happens for older teens as well. Have you heard that phrase, “He marches to the beat of his own drum?” That definitely applies to anyone on the spectrum.

Sometimes when I look back now, I don’t know how I ever survived those crazy hectic holiday seasons. I know even with family, there were times that close relatives did not want us going to their house because they didn’t want chaos or anything destroyed. I never blamed them or held any grudges. It was just the way our life was.

Now things are so different. This holiday season we watched a lot of movies, did some shopping, got some bubble tea (actually too many bubble teas which my daughter has gotten me into), went to see some movies in the theatre and saw some friends. It was just a really chill time. We didn’t make any particular plans but just went with the flow day by day. I have decided that I love to function this way!

I have realized over the years that God is always in everything that we do. He’s not just there for me in the times that I cry out to Him because I’m on the verge of tears. He watches over me and has helped me so much especially dealing with autism. I feel like He had me all along but there were times when I didn’t acknowledge that this was all part of His plan for me and for our family. I am a person who has come to believe that God does not make mistakes – ever. He has a plan for each one of us and He is always there for us even if we don’t turn to Him. He sits and waits and patiently tries to teach us things.

I talk about special needs and mainly autism as this is where I am an expert – but not by my own doing, but by God’s. I feel though that you can apply trusting God’s plan for your life and trusting Him to guide you no matter what the situation may be. Your situation is probably different than mine and families that deal with any kind of special needs are all different from each other.

Whatever you may be going through or if you think that you can’t face another day alone, please remember that you are not alone. God is always there right beside you and He will never let go of your hand and He will never ever stop loving you and caring about what happens to you. I don’t know why, but when I visually picture God, He is walking beside me holding my hand as we walk down the road, similar to what my own father used to do. When I think about this image it makes me smile.

In Luke 12:7 it says that,

“God knows how many hairs you have on your head.

Do not be afraid.

You are worth more than many small birds.”

God knows you inside out. He loves you and He will always be there for you. Always remember that.

Until next time...

Shelly Wedge

Exceptional Family Ministry Coordinator

Amberlea Church