SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2:39-40
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
REFLECTION by Glenn Croy
I know of a child who too, as he aged, became strong and full of wisdom. But because of a neurodevelopment disorder at birth, this particular child was unable to convey his wisdom to others, at least not in the conventional sense. That is, by gazing into his soulful eyes, one knew that this boy had a gift, but it was a gift that seemed buried behind his distant stare ….. a gift that seemed out of reach. Well, I think that I have may have finally unwrapped that gift as I pondered this reading.
I have come to realize that my subject matter, my son Jeffrey, diagnosed with infantile autism at age 3, knows something very important about life that we, the common folk, are unable to conceive. A conception that I can only guess, transcends our normal thought process of viewing everything in black and white.
It is of my opinion that Jeffrey’s mind is immersed in color. Not so much in the different shades of blue or green, but in the dynamics and fullness of complete understanding. While this vision may seem complex and a little blurry to the rest of us, I am convinced that whatever it may be, in Jeffrey’s mind it is as clear as the day is long. It is a sharp, definitive, positive and effective vision … a vision that must be possessed in order to achieve proper balance in life. Like magic, Jeffrey has the ability to transcend all laws and logic of common thinking. He has the capability to leave the ”junk” behind and put things in proper perspective without really even trying. Can you imagine that? Being able to let go of the burdens of life that weigh on you? No jealousy, envy, judgment, vanity, greed. No ego to contend with. Living life knowing that who you are is just fine. No favors, no apologies, no regrets. Well, no favors except for maybe one … ”the favor of God is upon him.”
PRAYER
Gracious God, please help us to help each other grow to be strong, fill us with wisdom, and pour your favor upon us. Amen.
BLESSING
May Almighty God bless you and keep you, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
