But this is reality: my life can be difficult. My oldest son has a developmental disorder known as "autism", which is a scary diagnosis to receive while your three year old is clinging to you for dear life. I make decisions daily which affect his life and his future, even though I only have knowledge of the past and the present. Should we try this new therapy? Which school is right for him? Should I push him, or is now a time when he just needs his space? Does he understand me? Do I understand him? I have lived through days and weeks and months and years of darkness. I have cried out of frustration, I have cried because I felt inadequate, I have cried because sometimes it is just so hard.
Here's the thing though, that brings me comfort: light and dark are not equal, opposing forces. There are more hours of sunlight than dark every day. When light shines in the dark, the darkness can't overcome it (Hey, that's in the Bible!). Darkness only comes when there is no light. The sun sets, the switch gets turned off, the bulb burns out--that's when darkness comes. So then, we don't have to stay in the dark! We just have to turn the light back on!
When I've been in the dark, I know how hard it is to find the switch. And that's where you come in. Yes, YOU!! Would you mind turning the light back on please? (As my boys say, "Light please!") You can see it, can't you?
When you bring me coffee on a random weekday and stay to chat.
When you offer to watch my kids.
When you invite us over for dinner.
When you post an encouraging message on Facebook, or drop that card in the mail.
When you call and ask how I'm really doing.
When you wash my dishes.
When you hug my kids.
When you hug me.
When you say, "We can do hard things."
When you say, "You're doing a good job."
When you say, "I love you."
You are turning on my light. You are beating the dark back in its cage. You are throwing me a life preserver.
I am so grateful for the people who help me live in the light. I don't know who I would be without each of you. And here's the most important part: this is a dark world, and we need more LIGHT. We need to take our light out into the streets and SHINE. We need to give and share the light like there's no tomorrow because there might not be.
When you are overwhelmed in the dark, you won't always be able to find the switch. So ASK. Scream it at the top of your lungs: I can't see! Someone turn the light on! And if you are the one hearing the call, RUN to help.
** I wrote this in response to the recent murder of London McCabe, by all accounts a little boy much like my sweet James. Please do not pity those living with disabilities or their families. It is a joy and an honor to be the mother of my autistic son. It is hard, but every day I am thankful that my son is alive, challenges and all. Please extend a helping hand and open your eyes to the worth and value of every human life.**
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