Snowflakes & Special Needs

Today, for school, we painted snowflakes. It was a fun, easy art lesson....and then, as is often the case in homeschooling - it turned into so much more.

As we watched the snow falling outside, warm and cozy in our homeschool room, we painted snowflakes. The kids each designed their own using painters tape. Then we painted. As they painted I watched their little eyes, mouths, faces. They were so intent with their creations, so purposeful. When we were done and the paint had dried, we tore off the tape. WOW! How beautiful were each of those creations - to my children, at that moment, there was nothing better. Each snowflake was different. Each was precious. You can see where our lesson was headed. Today they learned the school "stuff", the science behind snow crystals. They also learned how preciously unique they are. How God formed them - purposefully and lovingly. Perfectly. There is no other T, N or C on this earth. They are one in a gazillion.

This was a gentle reminder for me as well. Each of my children is special, unique. Each has needs, special needs. I listened to a speaker recently and her words hit close to home, and stuck. Each child is a special needs child.

adjective: special

1.

better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual.

 

verb: need

1. 

require (something) because it is essential or very important

When one of our children has special needs, or requires a little more attention, time, energy - we give it freely, lovingly. We understand what is being asked of us and are prepared for the time, energy and hours it will entail. However, sometimes I wonder if we should approach each of our children like that. I know that N, with all of her medical issues, requires more time and attention from me sometimes.

 However, T, my sweet boy - also has special needs. He needs hugs, physical, reassuring love. He sometimes needs an extra few minutes at bedtime, just to connect. He is a special needs child. Something I never realized until I heard this speaker. My littlest, wildest blessing - sometimes she just needs an extra tickle. A walk outside with just momma, a moment of laughter that just she and I share. C is a special needs child.

Each of our children is a snowflake, an unique creation of God. Each has special needs. I took some time after this lesson to quietly think about the special needs of each of my children. It was an eye-opening day. I am so grateful for this lesson, I would have missed so much if I hadn't learned it. Hopefully I can pass it on to you. Ejoy discovering the extraordinary qualities that make each of your children so special, and maybe today, take a moment to discover what their "special needs" are..........

 

Psalm 139:14    I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.