PARKER TICKET

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, I am posting a devotional from my book about my son, Parker's Story: Essays on Autism and Awesometism.

KEY VERSE:

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

ESSAY:

City of Sacramento

PARKER TICKET

Date: 5/2/06

Location: Sutter Memorial Hospital, 5151 F Street

Time: 8:47 AM

Violation: C-Section

License: 19.5 IN., 8 LBS., 15 OZ.

Fine: A lifetime of expenses

Sentence: 18 years (at least) of blessings with Parker Drew Seiber

Officer: Dr. Huiga

Violators: Mr. & Mrs. Seiber

            This is one of the ways I announced Parker’s birth to our family and friends. Instead of a parking ticket, I posted Parker tickets. As expensive as traffic violations like a parking ticket can be, they never equal the expenses of raising a child.

            All kidding aside, please know that along with the expense, there is also joy in raising a child. God promises us that. He says in the Psalms that children are a blessing from the Lord. So don’t just focus on the inconveniences children bring in to our lives without also announcing their arrival and celebrating their lives, too.

ABOUT AUTISM:

            Notice this birth announcement did not mention his health concerns. This was a joyous occasion. There would be plenty of opportunities later to fill people in and ask them to pray about his health concerns. That was a personal choice my wife and I made to celebrate our son and leave his health and well-being in God’s hands.

APPLICATION:

            Think of someone in your life who has just recently had a baby. If you are like me, you can immediately think of several from church or work who have been blessed with a newborn. The next time you are out and about, buy something for that child. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. It could be a toy, or diapers or a cute onesie. Help that family celebrate their new child. And pray for them and the healthy physical and spiritual development of the newest addition to their family.