Undoubtedly all who read this understand that children are a blessing from God. How often do we verbalize it though? “Little Johnny is such a blessing to us.” We certainly do not say it after little Johnny’s encounter with the mud puddle or his ill-fated adventure using a florescent bulb as a light saber! But we know he is a blessing and even say so now and then.
It has been my observation, however, that parents of Down syndrome children, and other children with such disabilities, say it more. This often occurs in spite of the extra frustration and work that might very well be involved in raising these blessings. “Little Johnny is such a blessing to us and so many others,” however, helps us understand an important axiom—God not only blesses, He decides what blessings are.
CoorDown is an Italian organization that supports people with Down syndrome and their families. One of their tools to help those who are pregnant with a Down syndrome baby is a video that features 15 different children with Down syndrome telling about their lives. They say things like, “Your child will be able to do many things.” “He’ll be able to hug you. He’ll be able to run toward you.” “He’ll be able to go to school like everybody.”
Our sinful nature likes to equate blessings with things we perceive as good, things like prosperity and health. I do not hear many people say, “God blessed me with this disease and its subsequent suffering.” Nevertheless, many of us could tell stories of blessings that God worked through disease and suffering in our lives or the lives of others.
God reminds us during this season of Lent that He had a Son who really did not fit in with the norm. He was “despised and rejected,” “one from whom men hide their faces.” He was “stricken” and “smitten” and “afflicted” (Isaiah 53:3-4). But what a blessing Jesus was to us and so many others! “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed” (53:5).
On this World Down Syndrome Day, Lutherans For Life acknowledges that God not only blesses, He decides what blessings are. We thank Him for the blessings He brings through children with Down syndrome. We pray that He will use us to speak up for these blessings in the womb who cannot speak for themselves. We pray God will give strength, peace, and joy to families of Down syndrome children and that we may all enjoy these children for the blessings that God intends them to be.