We watched I am Sam again last night. It is one of those movies that really tugs at your heart especially if you are a parent. I think it is one that we should watch every so often to remind ourselves of a couple of things.
1. Handicapped people are people and they are capable of love and feeling. We should never assume or take it for granted that we are superior to them. God has a plan for everyone and we are here because of that plan. Psalm 139:13 "For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb."
Henry Nouwen wrote about a man such as this in his book Adam: God's Beloved
2. What children need more than anything is love, pure and simple. All the toys in the world cannot substitute for simply reading a bed time story and giving them a hug. They are also far more astute than we think and we are setting the pattern now for our relationship when they grow up. We only get one shot at doing it properly and if we make the effort we will have rich relationships with them our whole lives.
I could not help reflecting on how my job impacts my time with Kirsten and Sigrun. After all adult relationships need nurturing too ! With the next one coming to make us a foursome I need to look hard at this and pray for some guidance in my career choices. I was there almost all the time for Kirsten and did my share which has been paid back with interest as she has developed.
To use a Covey principle I have probably been making more withdrawals than deposits from the emotional bank account we share lately. I hope I have not touched the principal yet. I know I am in debt with Sigrun but luckily she is not charging me interest...
yes on so many levels, being a big tough aussie I am not supposed to cry or eat quiche but this one cuts to the chase
Posted by: DB | May 28, 2004 at 04:59 PM
I am Sam is one of the few movies that can really tear me up!
Posted by: Messy Christian | May 28, 2004 at 02:10 PM