For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 136:13-16
I can't even count on both hands the amount of people that have said to me, "I don't know how you do it. It takes a special person to be able to talk to someone with a disability." I'm no special person. I've never even studied disabilities. Sure, God allowed me to have opportunities to spend time with people with special needs, and I am forever grateful that he allowed me to do so, but I'm just a normal girl who has been taught to love unconditionally, no matter the person. I'm hoping this article will open some eyes to see the true beauty of special needs.
There is truly nothing more life-altering than spending time with someone with special needs. I don't mean just having a conversation, but really diving into what they have to say, or what they want to share with you. I can recall a time where I was face to face with an autistic child who was nonverbal. She only made small noises and would rarely look people directly in the eyes. If we are being honest, I was a little nervous at first, because I was afraid that I wouldn't understand what she wanted. It didn't take very long at all for me to adjust to her silly personality. Every day I would sit and talk to her. She would grunt sometimes and touch my arm, letting me know she was listening. It wasn't long before she began to recognize me when I walked into the room. One day, as I was talking to her, she raised her head and looked me right in the eyes. It was only for a second, but it was all I needed. This was her way of showing love and comfort, and I had made her feel both of those. I had connected with someone who was nonverbal. And you can, too.
There are no limitations on love. There are no if, and's, or buts about it. Love is a gift that God has given us and expects us to share with others. When I say others I mean everyone, even the people we feel may be unable to love us back. It's hard to have compassion for someone who doesn't understand the way you show them love. Some people with special needs are uncomfortable with physical touch, or even verbal communication. Simply smiling at them is a wonderful way of showing them love. Creating a relationship may take time, but baby steps will lead in that direction. Loving someone with special needs not only teaches you about compassion but also patience, because, in order to bond, you must wait for them to feel comfortable too.
We often assume that people with special needs learn from us, but I think we can learn a thing or two from them as well. I personally believe children and adults with special needs are angels in disguise. They are miracles, and they all have a purpose. I bet anyone reading this can think of at least one person they know who has a disability. I can also bet that the person you're thinking of is also one of the most down-to-earth and selfless people you know.
I hope that more people begin to step out of their comfort zones and learn the true meaning of humbleness and compassion. Join your local Best Buddies group, or volunteer at a local Special Olympics. Whatever you decide to do, allow yourself to really grow and share some love with these precious people. You won't be sorry. I can promise you that.
