Song of Stress

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

KEY VERSE:

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

ESSAY:

            I wrote my very first praise chorus a while back. I don’t know how to post audio in this book. You don’t really want to hear me sing anyway. All you need to know is that when I try to sing, my son screams, “No!” So you will just have to trust me that it has an original tune to it.

Song of Stress

When I’m angry and I’m stressed,

Then I must remember I’m blessed.

I’m blessed just to worship the Lord.

When I’m angry and I’m stressed,

Then I must remember I’m blessed.

I’m blessed just to worship the Lord.

The Lord for all He’s done for me.

He’s saved me for all eternity.

When I’m angry and I’m stressed,

Then I must remember I’m blessed.

I’m blessed just to worship the Lord.

Oh yes, I will worship the Lord.

Yes I will worship the Lord.

            As you can probably tell by the lyrics, I wrote this song when I was…yes, you guessed it, stressed. I tend to remember to sing it when I am in stressful times, too. It came to mind today as I was worrying about finances. I sing it frequently when I am worried about my son’s health or when his autistic tantrums increase in frequency, duration or intensity. The chorus helps remind me not to focus on myself or the stress, but on God. In that way it has been a big blessing. Maybe one day it can be a blessing to others as well.

ABOUT AUTISM:

            I have not mentioned many details about my son’s tantrums. The truth is, they are difficult to discuss. It is easier and more joyful to write about the triumphant times. But his tantrums are intense and frequent.  They can occur at home or out in public. They can be violent, too – with hitting, kicking and throwing of items. He has broken two windows in our house by throwing items during a tantrum. As he has gotten older the tantrums have become more of a physical battle and he can sometimes land a punch or a hit that stings or even leaves a bruise. Autistic tantrums are not uncommon. Many people on the autism spectrum have them. These individuals cannot process how life is unfolding around them so they act out in one of the only ways they know how.

APPLICATION:

            Since this is a book and you cannot hear me singing the song I wrote, memorize the words and make up your own tune. Teach it to yourself and sing it as a song of praise the next time you find yourself in a stressful situation. It may help to calm you down and focus your thoughts on your Creator. He is the one who can rescue you from your stress. And the next time you see a parent and a child in public battling it out in a chaotic or violent confrontation, pray for them. It may be more than just an unruly situation. The child may have autism which makes it even more difficult to control or contain their behavior.