A few years ago I had a friend that got a cat from a shelter and when she got the cat home she discovered that the cat had probably suffered trauma at some point in that since being adopted, the cat went into hiding. I asked if my friend was going to take the cat back and get one that wasn’t broken, her response was simple and loving, “We are all a little broken and need someone to take care of us once in a while.” I have been blessed to experience something that overwhelms some and is definitely misunderstood by others, the life of children with Autism. In our home we have four children that have different challenges and I have the blessing of helping them day in and day out. There are days that I feel like I did the best I could but also feel like such a failure at the same time, and yet, at the end of the day they still look at me with love in their eyes and arms wide open for a hug. There are times that I just don’t understand what they need and my patience wears thin and I get frustrated. My heart breaks watching them struggle, but there is never a day that I am not proud of who they are and what they accomplish. The biggest challenge that I have is not that of what goes on in our home, but how the world treats them. The ones that I feel should be trying to help, seem to push them off, and that is what is truly heartbreaking. It is not so much of not being equipped or prepared, it is their not desiring to learn how to do more. The world does not see what I do, a loving, smart, funny, sweet, empathetic, talented human being. I am humbled by what is written in *Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child and set him before them, 3 and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.* By spending time with the children in my home I have been given one of the greatest gifts in the world, an understanding of what it takes to get into heaven from living examples. I long for a home for them that I’ve never even experienced; a place for them to feel completely understood, loved, and cherished continually. Sometimes we must let go of the picture of what we thought life would look like and learn to find joy in the story we are living today. No one can step into their shoes and live their lives, but one thing that families who have children with special needs need, is to feel validated, given support, and acceptance even if it is inconvenient or uncomfortable.

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.