Perspective. . .

Challenges are relative.

Mine are not yours. Yours are not mine.

What’s hard for me could be a breeze for you. The opposite is true as well.

Although our challenges may be different, they certainly still exist.

There’s some truth to the adage “be kind because everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”

I met someone this week who has a disabled son. I overheard him talking about the situation and my ears perked up.

He explained the situation and named the rare genetic disorder that caused the disability. His son cannot stand. He cannot eat without a feeding tube. He’s nonverbal.

He expressed the difficulty of going on vacation as a family.

He was worried about what to do when puberty hits.

And then he said a couple of things that hit me.

He expressed his desire to stay in shape to be able to properly care for his son.

He also mentioned staying strong emotionally, supporting his wife through emotional ups and downs that accompany caring for a disabled child.

I told him about Jude being non-verbal and some of the challenges that we go through. It felt like God was bringing us together to encourage one another.

After our conversation – all I could feel was gratitude.

Thankful to have met him.

Thankful for Jude’s personality. Her ability to eat. Her ability to stand.

As a dad I can get so caught up in how she’s behind other kids her age. But she’s ahead of so many others that I don’t even consider.

Like him, I should be more health-conscious. We don’t know how long we are going to be able to care for Jude, but I can work to extend it by taking better care of my body. How’s that for motivation?

Also, as a father and husband, I understand the need to be strong for others. I’m exploring ways I can be a better provider, leader, and example to everyone in my home.

All it took was one conversation. One encounter. Now I see things a bit differently. I know someone whose struggles are different – and likely greater – than my own.

God help me see the blessings in the middle of the difficulty. Help me view my challenge, the struggle of raising a special needs child, for what it is. Help me not exaggerate the struggle or get trapped in a victim mentality. Help me face it – and write about it - honestly.