In case I didn’t tell you already, I am actually on the autism spectrum. This is why I have had the unique struggles and experiences that I shared in this blog. This is Autism Awareness month. One of God’s great purposes is to bring more awareness to people on the autism spectrum. It may seem like people like us might be living in a dream world, and in a sense we are. However, I believe we have more of a gift of seeing more specifically of how things were supposed to be in the Garden of Eden. All though we all long for the paradise that was lost, people on the specturm see things of what could be but aren’t. We learn life the hard way, not understanding why other people are not affirming our values, loves and interests. We subconciously believe the world is better than it really is. Some people on the spectrum therefore get a rude awakening about how fallen this world is exactly. We also can’t seem to be on the same page as nuerotypicals.

I am into culture, animals, nature, music, science which are all beautiful and therapuetic. These are things there are all the moreso therapuetic for people on the spectrum. The problem is these interests are not cheap. For me and for many others I am sure life has been a quagmire of an existence in which we desire lovely beautiful things that are considered to be a luxury to neurotypicals, who still take them for granted, yet our condition can cause us to not advance enough in life to afford these things that we cherish. This is one way life is cruel towards those with ASDs. For instance people on the specturm access these loves via entertainment, travel, and hobbies which are considered privleges, not rights by most people’s standards. The people who can afford these interests who have been able to work hard, earn and deserve them often don’t cherish these things like people on the spectrum do. Their motives are more worldy and materialistic, and so they chase after things money can buy to fill a void, a void that only God can fill. What’s interesting is that one not need to be materialistic to enjoy travel, pets, music, nature, cultural events, concerts, and other recreational enjoyments. The desires of people on the specturm, which for most are also emotional needs, don’t go away when they accept Christ. In fact, becomming a Christian can cause them to treasure them all the more. God is the mastermind behind nature, music, animals, dancing, romance, beauty, cultural performances, because they all related to His creation and relationships. I think when the Phillipians 4:8 tells us to focus on what’s lovely, noble, true, right, and admirable it is telling us to focus on things that radiate such qualities, such as the things I mentioned above. People on the spectrum, even those who are unsaved can see what these things are moreso than nuerotypicals. God has a reason for more people on the spectrum being born. God will be using this new wave of people on the spectrum to change the world, putting the wise to shame and helping Him bring the kingdom to earth. It will be based upon what he commands in Phillipians 4:8, which is no fantasy or pipe dream. Bringing the kingdom to earth, which consists of beauty, truth, people affirming one another’s true callings, joy, pure pleasure, peace, living in harmony is real and authentic. God is glorified by these interests we embrace so much. What makes paradise paradise is God’s presence as well as all of the qualities and characteristics that define Him like beauty, sweetness, goodness, wonder, awe, magnificense, splendor, truth, perfection and most of all love and therefore give God glory. Right now, we live in a fallen world where paradise has been lost and people on the spectrum in their childlikeness, see more of what’s missing. Yes, we need to accept the reality of this fallen world we live in, yet we do not stop believing and having faith of what could be. We are commanded to do what we can do glorify God on earth, being in the world, but not of the world, doing even more works than Jesus did. So let’s keep dreaming, believing in God’s promises and the truth of His word, using our unique talents to make this world a better place before Jesus comes back!