The Works of God

Twice a year Dianne and I are left scratching our heads.

What should we get Paul for his birthday and Christmas?

Today is Paul’s birthday.  He is 15 years old.

Our typically-developing kids are easy – they tell us what they want!  And their interests and desires have changed as they have grown.

Paul tends to like what he likes. He is still playing with toys we gave him years ago. And he’s quickly rejected toys we were absolutely certain he would like.

And sometimes it isn’t practical to get him another of what he likes!

He likes swings:

He even has one we take with us!

He likes to rock:

We also have a portable, folding rocking chair.

He likes to ride:

He’s driven the golf cart, but I couldn’t find any pictures of that.

Sometimes he likes the water.  We can’t predict when that will be.

We even have a dog we can borrow!

And he likes his siblings.  Especially his sister.

He’s pretty content with what he has; he doesn’t even realize its his birthday.  So the whole gifting thing is really my issue rather than his.

His sister, however, thought about what he likes and came up with the perfect suggestion – iTunes gift card!

Of course.  He loves music, and he has enjoyed adding new music to his library.  He still enjoys Raffi from when he was a very young boy.  Rich Mullins has been on his iPod for several years.  And today he typically asks for Yo Yo Ma’s Appalachia Waltz when he wants to go to sleep.

She’s a wise young lady, that sister of his.

And I think, if he were a typically developing young man, he would still enjoy getting iTunes gift cards.

So, what will it be?  His mom is enjoying Shane and Shane.  We’ve heard good things about Tenth Avenue North.

And I’m very grateful to God that Paul was given to me!