Summer
We are full swing into the summer. Summer is my absolute favorite season! I love the sun and the warmth. I love all of the outdoor activities and I love spending time at the cottage. If you asked me where I would like to go anywhere in the world, I would tell you the cottage. It is peaceful and I love the laid back lifestyle that it offers. When I’m here it’s like nothing else exists. Being in nature and getting to spend quality time with family is priceless.
For our children, it is so different for both of them. Our son absolutely loves it up here. He will talk about it all year long as he loves it the same way that I do. Our daughter, well, not as much. She doesn’t spend a lot of time up here and although she does like a few outdoor activities, she would rather be inside. It demonstrates that people with autism are so totally different and that is a good thing!
For our children, I think the summer is a good time. For our daughter, it is good that she is at home without me as it gives her a chance to be more independent because there is no other choice. If you don’t do your laundry, it’s not getting done. I like this aspect because I feel that with space, more growth can happen for her and quite frankly it is good to separate sometimes from each other. I think it makes us appreciate each other more.
For our son, he loves nature and the outdoors. Although this summer, it has been a little difficult as he has been a little under the weather the first few days. I do enjoy getting to spend time with him to focus on some more skills like cooking and things to increase his self-awareness and independence. This is truly important going into the future and I am grateful that I have this time in the summer to do these things.
When I pray for both of my children, the prayers are different. I always ask God to guide me to foster their growth and independence. I want them to know how much they are loved and how valued they are as people. I also pray for their relationship with God. When your children have autism, spiritual things sometimes have to be explained in another way. I ask God’s guidance in this matter so that I can be a good role model to both of them and that they will be able to see how important it is to have God in your life.
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it,
but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
Mark 8:35-36
In Mark 8:35-36 Jesus says that our soul has great value. I want this, not only for my children, but for all children.
Take time today to remember to pray for your children or grandchildren or any children whom you are close to. Pray for their souls.
Shelly Wedge
Exceptional Family Ministries Coordinator
Amberlea Church