Disability manifests itself in a thousand different ways. Sometimes a child matures as he should physically, but cognitively never develops. Sometimes a child’s mind thinks clearly, but her body has significant physical differences. And some children experience both.
My boy is one who will never develop either physically or cognitively. Things can be hard for him at times. He can’t tell us where things hurt when he’s sick, or why he’s frustrated. We frequently don’t know why he’s laughing, either. For some reason, spontaneous laughter doesn’t rise up temptations to worry like other behaviors do!
And God, in his kindness, lets me be comforted by his word at unexpected moments.
On Friday, Dr. Mark Struck used this passage from Matthew 11:25-30 in his devotions with Desiring God’s staff. Jesus is talking to the Father, and we get the help and encouragement:
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
It was a sweet word for me. Jesus knows it all. Jesus has ALWAYS known it all. ALL things have been handed over to Jesus by the Father. Jesus promises rest for ALL he has chosen.
My boy is known completely, and he has been from before creation. Jesus knew what he was doing when my Paul’s life was prepared, for God’s glory and for the good of God’s church.
The Works of God 
Good word John.
This is also an area where I struggle most with my son, who is non-verbal, not knowing if he’s hurting or how to best meet his needs. And like your Paul, Jake will sometimes just break out in the most beautiful spontaneous laughter!
I don’t know what he’s laughing about, but I sure do enjoy hearing it. Sometimes I just laugh with him, not knowing if I am the punch line…or not.
“You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children…”
Perhaps this is the reason our children laugh so spontaneously. 🙂