While I was looking at the cows, a lady was there with a special needs young woman, asking her what colour the cow was. I remember making the snap judgement "I wish people wouldn't treat special needs folks like they are preschoolers". Having that sudden flash of irritation.
I used to work with special needs folks and it didn't take me long to realize that with patience special needs folks are capable of so much more than we often give them credit for. So there I was, ready with the quick mental judgement. Until I caught something... the look in her eye as she talked with, what I think was her friend (not a client). That look of pleasure as her friend said "black" and then said no "brown, the cow is brown!"
The next thing I saw... a flash of smile.
I felt disappointed in myself for making snap judgements that I so dislike other people making. I should know better than that.
Two individuals.. one could have been a support worker with a client, or they could have been friends. Support was given and received. In a way that pleased and supported each other (cause that grin was support as well, you know?)
I Thessalonains: Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing
I want to see that support more often so freely and generously given, what about you?
-----
This is a five minute Friday post. the word prompt is brought to us by Miss Kate over at Five Minute Friday. What is Five Minute Friday? Well it's a party of a group of like
minded folks who gather on Friday to do a five minute free write around a
singular word. AND THEN (and this is the most important part) we take the time to offer up encouragement to
each other on this writing journey. It's fun, though it's not always
easy, but it is always good. Come join us won't you? You are always
welcome.
------
This post may contain affiliate links - using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool - thank you!
©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites
Great essay, Annette. It can be so hard, from the outside, to see the support needed!
ReplyDeleteThe last time I went shopping by myself, at WalMart, a young gang member intentionally tripped me, as my gait was already unsteady and halting. It was a kind of initiation, only he had really screwed up.
A pair of older gangstas picked me up, finished my shopping, bought my groceries (they paid), and drove me home...and then shelved everything. They stayed with me for a bit; we talked about guns (I'm a combat veteran) and dogs. And, yes, women.
When they left one mentioned that the kid who messed with me would cause me no more trouble. In fact, he'd never cause ANYONE any trouble. I didn't ask for clarification.
They show up from time to time, to help out with the dogs and pitch in on yardwork. Both have done very serious time, but I would never call them anything but Friend.
Support is where you find it, I guess. And so are some forms of love.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/09/your-dying-spouse-362-letter-to-death.html
That was so interesting to read Andrew, kind of neat how things work out sometimes eh?
DeleteAndrew, what a great story. You never know how your response to another will impact them.
DeleteSuch a great reminder to not make snap judgments!
ReplyDeleteIndeed eh
DeleteWhat a great reminder!
ReplyDeleteAnnette, thank you for the reminder that we need to look beyond our initial impressions of a situation. I've been the one who's made the snap judgment, and I've been the one on the other side of that equation. I ask God to help me see things through His eyes, and by His grace, I'm getting better at that. :)
ReplyDeleteHard sometimes though, especially when you know you were on the wrong side of it
DeleteSupport comes in all places and in unexpected moments, doesn't it? Seems like God sent you a bit of support just by allowing you to notice that interactions. I sure do appreciate those moments.
ReplyDeleteMe too, minds me to look more closely
DeleteOh yes, the outside and inside so often don't match. I always pray to look really close and be slow to speak.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing to talk less and watch more
Delete