Hi, Lynn here today….
My granddaughter was snuggling Penny, her golden retriever. Penny joined my son’s family a number of years ago. Avery looked up at me and said, “We call her Tisim.”
Me, “what?”
My son joined the conversation, “Ya, she has mild autism. It’s actually a thing with dogs too.”
Me, Hunh???
It’s funny, how this understanding in the family released a new sympathetic attention for Tisim-Penny. They doted on her. They offered her more patience and I noted they all were more attentive to her than on past visits.
Interesting.
This brought back to mind an exchange with my daughter a few years ago. She mentioned that she noticed some Autistic traits in our family members, and perhaps a mildness in her dad. We had a long conversation regarding the vastness of the spectrum of this neurodevelopmental disorder.
I hung up the phone and thought to myself…. THIS EXPLAINS SO MUCH!
Autsim traits. Previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Level One Autism
It was revelation. It was illumination… It was compassion. I felt a new wave of compassion and patience. My husband lacks capacity to connect with me in a way I need. Thank goodness the Lord filled that place in my heart.
I just wished I had understood this earlier in our marriage.
So why the vulnerable post. Because we live in relationships with people and feel neglected, ignored, unloved, unseen. Sometimes it’s not because people are mean-spirited or cold-hearted. It’s because they are wired differently (created differently). And they just can’t!
Understanding people is the most difficult assignment under heaven. And that is why God said, “Love me. Love people.”
Love covers a multitude of sins … disappointments, lost expectations, pain, trauma.
Most important of all,
continue to show deep love for each other,
for love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 NLT
I want a formula. I want an easy road to live with people in peace and harmony. But, it’s complex when we consider personality issues, physical causations, family of origin paradigms and the spiritual (good/evil) dynamics. Understanding offers us patience, compassion, and help.
That’s why God said learn to love me first. Then you can love others.
The good.
The bad.
The ugly.
And at the end of our race, we can stand before the Lord and say, “I learned to love.”
It will be the greatest declaration of all of our eternity.
I wonder, have you spotted disorders such as autism, ADHS, PTSD, any of the Manias, etc. in your family. There are so many assaults against humanity that the lists of issues are vast.
Chat with me in the comments. What have you noticed in your marriage, family, children or even yourself??? What has helped you to navigate these areas with success and hope. Help another sister or brother out!!!
I love you, Lynn
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