Benjamin was excited about a Horizons event. This is a monthly get-together with other young adults, hosted by the ed department of the Bryn Athyn College. There was pizza and pretzels, along with some of his favorite people. He brought along the chocolate chip cookie he bought at Starbucks that day, though I wondered why since there would probably be dessert offered. 

 

Then I understood. He broke the cookie in pieces and handed it around. 

 

For the first fifteen minutes his eyes were on his phone, texting his siblings about food in movies, without mentioning that he was at that moment eating with friends. I am unsure if that is simply how he eases into a social situation. 

 

Gradually, the leaders introduced a game, called Two Truths and a Lie. Ben does not lie, so I wondered how he would handle this. His integrity seems linked to autism, but is also central to his stance on not hurting people. 

 

Probably his intention was to make the misleading statement outrageous enough that no one would be duped. It worked. 

 

Ben's sincerity runs deep. Deep enough that I know for certain that it will help me recognize him in heaven, when our outer shells and habits will fall away. 

 

I appreciate truth telling in my leaders, as well. It dovetails well with not hurting vulnerable people.