It's Memorial Day Weekend!

It is Memorial Day Weekend! I love Memorial Day! It signifies the beginning of summer. It is time for grilling, home-made ice-cream, swimming, picnics and going to the park. It is time for baseball, boating and spending time outdoors. The grass is green. The birds are singing. The flowers are blooming. You will probably find me out in the garden planting tomorrow and on Sunday afternoon you will find the average Indiana household glued to the tv watching cars racing around a track in the Indianapolis 500.

I love Memorial Day Weekend. I’m thankful for those who have given their lives in service of our country, protecting our freedoms and liberties and what this means for children with additional needs.

There are many battles that still need to be fought so people of all races and disabilities experience the same freedoms and privileges but because of the sacrifice of those fighting to defend our country, these other areas of growth can still happen.

Amidst the growing pains, I’m encouraged by seeing society generally becoming more inclusive of our children with additional needs. I’m excited to see this starting to impact our churches as we have the beginnings of a movement starting within the church. In this movement, leaders are beginning to recognize that we are a body and that when aspects of the body are left out, our church cannot function as it should.

Why do I share this? Am I intending for this to be a political post or a post about church reform? No, I’m sharing this because I’m thankful and want to encourage you. It is sometimes difficult to see the forest through the trees. It is easy to get caught up in our daily struggles and not have perspective of progress that is being made.

This Memorial Day weekend, we have a lot to be thankful for. Next time you see a veteran or someone in active service, take time to thank them for their service to our country and for the sacrifice they have made.

Are you the parent of a child with additional needs? How does your family make Memorial Day special?