When my son, Shawn, was two years old he was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder and speech delays. Getting diagnosed was so wonderful because it explained so much and allowed us to figure out a plan moving forward.
Our church at the time had several programs in place for children with disabilities and after discussing it with the Children’s Ministry Leader we decided that having a “buddy” would be the best fit for Shawn. The young lady they matched Shawn up with, Kaylee, was truly an angel.
Shawn had a hard time walking right into class, so she would sit with him in the hallway until he was ready to go in and join the fun. He needed to move more than the other kiddos, so Kaylee would pace or dance with him. If the music got too loud during worship time she would bring him headphones. If he needed a fidget toy she would get one for him. If he needed extra time to color before moving to the next activity, she’d stay with him until he was done. It was such a wonderful system because it allowed Shawn to get the one-on-one help that he needed at the time; while allowing the teacher to be able to focus on the other students and not have to ignore his needs.
Kaylee was so much more than just a warm body to keep Shawn “under control.” She always asked if there was anything specific that would be helpful for him that day. She gave him her total focus and attention. And she genuinely cared about him as a person. Her face would light up when she saw him and he knew that she loved him. She truly was the hands and feet of Jesus. Kaylee was a teenager at the time. She had no formal training or certifications, just a willing and teachable heart with a desire to serve the Lord. Every disability ministry should find themselves a Kaylee.
About the Author
Mandy Smith (Master of Arts in Christian Education, Midwestern Theological Seminary) is a wife, a daughter, a sister, a mom and a follower of Jesus. Her husband, Brandon, is a wonderful fellow who has put up with the craziness of being married to her for twenty years now. They have five kids, James (15-years-old), Katie (14-years-old), Shawn (12-years-old), Maggie (11-years-old) and Sarah (11-years-old). Writing about the hilarious antics in her household has been a sanity saver for years. Mandy enjoys serving with children, youth, college students, women and in drama ministry. She also loves reading a good book while eating cookie dough ice cream.
