My life took an interesting turn: unexpected but ever so intriguing. When I first got involved in behavioral therapy, I never imagined where it would take me. It started as a simple curiosity, a desire to understand how I can better support parents, especially those parenting children with disruptive behaviors. Along the way, I crossed paths with some amazing therapists and professionals who specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis. Fast forward to today, and I find myself working in a school setting with children on the autism spectrum. It’s been and continues to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Some days, I feel a deep sense of shame as I realize how much I take for granted in my own life —simple things like being able to communicate effectively, my health or navigating the world without constant struggle. But most days, I’m simply in awe of what I get to witness and be a part of.
The people I work with are nothing short of angels. The grace, perseverance, kindness, and compassion they show every single day is truly astounding. It’s incredible to watch how they love these kids, not just as students, but as unique individuals. The way they help shape behaviors, build skills, and foster independence is downright impressive. There’s no pretense. No hands-off. They do the good, the bad and the ugly of life with these children. They approach each child with so much dignity, and I’m constantly touched by how much they give of themselves.
But probably my favorite part of this new adventure is the intentionality. We live a simple life. We move at a gradual speed. Our days are filled with repetition and gentle, neutral voices. We jump to the left and we jump to the right, we draw, we play Uno, we do Math, social studies and writing. We talk about the "zones" we find ourselves in—those moments when we're feeling overwhelmed or out of control—and discuss better ways to express our feelings. We lie on our backs and count to ten, just to reset.
There’s routine, there’s structure, and there are boundaries that help with guidance, but more than that, there’s a sense of safety and trust. I oftentimes imagine the Master Creator drawing a similar simple blueprint for us to live by. Slow. Intentional. Personal.
Is this not how life was supposed to be lived? At a steady pace. In relationship with Him and others. Celebrating the wins, however small they may be. Encouraging each other along the way. A life where we stop to take deep breaths, pause to count our blessings and forget about the ‘real’ world of followers, likes and insta-perfection. A life filled with kindness, mercy and ‘let’s try again’s. A basic life where people are transparent, and interaction is sweet. Where we laugh with each other, not at each other. Where we empathize and understand that when one struggles the whole struggles. A world where there’s a deep sense of ‘I am what I am because of who we all are'. A life which has meaning.
It is here that the outside voices fade. That peer pressure vanishes, and luxuries become redundant. It is here that we find the fundamentals again, the essentials.
My Christmas wish is to become a more permanent resident in this kind of world. To spend more time ‘being’ than ‘doing’. To be in tune, not only with myself but also with my surroundings and those on this journey with me. This is my wish: May the Prince of Peace be our guide during this festive season. May we live simple, uncomplicated lives focusing on what matters most. May we remember what this season, and every other season is truly about - Immanuel, God with us.