No Toys in the Fishtank!
April 11, 2013
RULES FOR DAVID
If the bathroom door is closed, knock! (especially if Catherine has a friend over).
Say thank you when someone gives you a present (even if you don’t like it).
Don’t stand in front of the TV when other people are watching it.
A boy takes off his shirt to swim, but not his shorts.
Some people think they know who you are, when really they don’t.
No toys in the fishtank.
These rules are just some of the ways that Catherine helps her special needs brother navigate safely and approrpriately through life. This week’s Children’s literature suggestion is a delightful book entitled, “Rules” written by Cynthia Lord.who is a mother of an autistic child. The storyline is an endearing and frequently funny portrayal of the impact of David, who has autism, on his entire family. Narrated by David’s older sister Catherine, the storyline is about being different and finding acceptance especially at an age when that is loomingly important.
Catherine’s love for her brother, and her guidance to help him avoid the dangers and pitfalls of life, reminded me of God. Some people think that God has a lot of rules for His children. In reality, He only has two truly great commandments – love God and love people. And why does He give us these rules anyway? Because just like Catherine with her brother David, God gives us rules for our good! (sv)
12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?”
Deuteronomy 10:12-13