Navigating Tantrums and Finding Blessings: Lessons for Christian Women Warriors

autism life challenges tips for hard times Apr 22, 2016

Dear Sisters in Christ,

My dear sisters in faith, I want to share an experience from yesterday evening. I took my children to my daughter's 6th-grade Shakespeare play, aiming for great seats and an enjoyable evening.

Little did I anticipate the storm that was about to brew. Nathan, my precious son on the autism spectrum, decided to have a meltdown right there. He was adamant about not being at the school, despite it being on our calendar.

The stark difference between a 2-year-old's tantrum and a 17-year-old's outburst is that, at this point, I can't simply scoop him up and exit the scene because he outweighs me by over 50 pounds. I had tried to secure the guest WiFi password when we arrived, knowing his iPad would help. Unfortunately, none of the teachers I asked had the elusive password. The situation was spiraling.

Then a mini miracle happened: A teacher, moved by compassion, came to our rescue and typed her password into Nathan's iPad. Just like that, the storm subsided, and he sat through the entire play contentedly. I found myself wishing there was a password to calm my racing mind, to tame the chaos within. I sat there with adrenaline coursing through my veins, feeling jumpy and overwhelmed.

I found another lesson in the next moment: I looked up and saw a mother sitting in front of us with her little daughter, both perfectly serene. Jealousy and self-pity washed over me as I thought, "It's not fair." These feelings, now rare, resurfaced after Nathan's tumultuous episode. I had to cast them aside and count my blessings instead of wallowing in comparison and judgment.

Blessing #1: We arrived early, preventing a public spectacle in front of a larger audience.

Blessing #2: The compassionate teacher who stepped in to save the day.

Blessing #3: I had the privilege of watching Noelle's play without disruption.

Psalm 55:22 (KJV) encourages us to "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." These moments of high emotions in life serve as lessons.

Let us learn as sisters remember a few vital life lessons:

1. Always arrive a little early because, in life, we never know what might happen and what battles we might face.

2. Look for angel helpers along the way (and don't be afraid to ask for help.)

3. Count your blessings instead of comparing your challenges and life with others.

We learn to trust in the Lord and count our blessings in the midst of life's tantrums and turmoil.

In faith and fortitude,

Tamara K. Anderson

Navigating Tantrums and Finding Blessings: Lessons for Christian Women Warriors

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