I’m a sucker for anything that looks like it’s already going 100 MPH on the Autobahn. That’s why the shiny new Audi in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant caught my eye—or perhaps it’s because my granddaughter drives an older version of the same car. But it was the trio who stepped from the sports sedan that ultimately captured my attention.
Two teenage boys exited and stood beside the car tentatively, shyly leaning into one another. Handsome and well-dressed, they waited like little children, wide eyed, glancing pensively, as though intimidated by their environment—definitely not typical. Soon an attractive and equally well-dressed middle-aged woman stepped out, adjusted the purse on her shoulder and turned her attention to the young men.
When I stopped and waved to let them to cross in front of me, the taller of the two boys peered directly toward me as though trying to connect personally. He was outgoing and smiled broadly, holding his hand high in the air and waving enthusiastically in my direction, clearly grateful for my simple act of courtesy. His younger brother seemed to have a different perspective. He was more reserved and drew his arms tightly around his midsection as he scurried across the driveway to the safety of the sidewalk without ever looking up.
By the time I parked and entered the restaurant, the trio was well ahead of me in line. This allowed me to study their atypical behavior without appearing obvious. The taller boy was very verbal and spoke much louder than everyone in the area. I have to admit, it embarrassed me. His voice drew others’ attention; some began to stare. His verbose stammering was difficult to overlook.
Then something happened that touched my heart and instantly changed the atmosphere in the room. The well-dressed, cultured lady draped her arm over her tall son’s shoulder, whispered something into his ear, and then kissed him firmly on the forehead.
He smiled broadly, turned to everyone in the restaurant (who, like me, was desperately trying to appear nonchalant) and announced in his now signature, trumpeting voice, “This is my Mom, and she REALLY loves me!”
I went from insensitive to compassionate in ten seconds flat. Her loving expression and his proud announcement reduced me to an emotional wreck! Suddenly, I was the one who wasn’t sure how to act in public. I was hauntingly aware of how shallow I had become. While first embarrassed by his loud voice in a public space, I now found myself embarrassed at my self-righteous indignation.
I wanted to high five him and hug her. I wanted to grab the attention of everyone in the restaurant like he did and say, “Did you see that? Did you see how this incredible woman embraces her sons regardless of how they might appear to you and me?”
But I didn’t. I maintained my public dignity.
The mother’s dignified demeanor perfectly complimented her sons’ atypical public personas. I watched with renewed admiration as she ordered food while remaining completely attentive to her special-needs sons—one outgoing and forever fidgeting, the other cowering fearfully. She patiently redirected the active son’s attention and responded to his endless loud requests. Simultaneously, she drew the other son close to her side, soothed his insecurities and spoke positive affirmations to calm his chronic fears.
As they headed for the door; I wanted to lift my hand high in the air and wave goodbye with the same unfettered enthusiasm displayed by the tall teenager. But that begged the question regarding my own personal handicap—I feared I might appear strange… atypical.
As Easter approaches, allow your heart to be touched by the selflessness of our incredible Savior—who, like that mother, stoops to attend to our brokenness at the expense of His own dignity. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah trumpeted it loudly when he said,
“…the fact is, it was our pains he carried—our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed.”
Isaiah 53:4-5 The Message
Read Ron’s column, Simple Faith, each Saturday on the Faith Page (page 3) of the Lancaster Eagle Gazette, or visit www.lancastereaglegazette.com.