Benjamin is eager to respond in church. Whether or not the minister asks a question, his hand pops up announcing his readiness to speak. This is a miracle unto itself, in that autism delayed his verbal skills by a few years. He actually wrote with cookies before he talked much. He spelled out the name of his favorite movie.

 

Personally, I like that the format in the informal service has loosened enough that the congregation is given air time too, in the discussion following the talk. 

 

This week was no different. Ben had something to say. At first the minister did not notice Ben's hand. But later he invited answers to the question of what are life's most important values. Benjamin tried again to be called on. 

 

"We should not take more than our share." Well done, Ben. 

 

This is not a theoretical exercise for him. When there are a finite number of cookies, it takes effort to hold back. 

 

I once read about a woman who was vacationing on a beautiful island. She noticed a child who always wore the same clothes. Wanting to help, she bought two shirts and gave them to him. He was delighted. The next day she noticed a different boy wearing one of them. When the boy she had given them to walked by she asked about it. 

 

"Didn't you like the clothes I gave you?"

 

"Yes! But you gave me two. I can only wear one," he smiled. 

 

When I think of the people  in our country who appear to have an insatiable desire for wealth, it is easy to label them as successful. But I consider myself lucky to sit next to a young man who works hard to not take more than his share.