On Sunday afternoons I lay the kids' clothes out for the week. Well, that's the goal anyways. It isn't hard to do because they wear uniforms to school. This usually consist of khaki bottoms and either red, white, or blue shirt. I love it for so many reasons, especially how easy it is to prep for the week! Wednesdays are their favorites! On this day their school allows them to wear their favorite shirt for one dollar. Most weeks I just pick it out because I know which ones are their favorites anyways. For Harper I usually get one of her graphic tees she loves like the one with the neon T-Rex on the front, Ninja Kidz, dance shirts, or something with an animal on the front. Nolan loves Toy Story, Paw Patrol, Mickey Mouse, Monsters Inc, and his Under Armor shirts that are super soft.
This week I'm not on my game and I'm laying clothes out on Tuesday! I stood in Nolan's closet grabbing khaki shorts and random polo shirts for the week. When it came time for a Wednesday shirt I reached for the Mickey Mouse one and then hesitated. I began to wonder what other boys at his school wore on Favorite Shirt Day. I honestly have no idea what typical eight year old boys are into. I pictured them walking down the hall with their classmates in shirts with video games, super heroes, or their favorite sports team on them. Then I looked at Nolan's Mickey Mouse shirt and wondered if I should put it on him at school.
My thoughts were spinning. Will he stick out like a sore thumb? Will he get picked on? Maybe I should just put his Under Armor shirt on him. He likes those because they are so soft and he won't look so different. Of course I immediately felt ashamed of myself. I try to teach my kids to be a leader. Don't follow the crowd just to be cool. Be yourself and be proud of that. Be nice to everyone and don't be afraid to be different. I have to take my own advice sometimes too. I grabbed his favorite Mickey Mouse shirt and realized that he will look different. But you know what? That's okay because Nolan IS different. He communicates and learns differently than other kids. He can also light up a room and bring a smile to anyones face no matter what kind of day they are having. He won't get picked on because he's got some amazing teachers and friends who will make sure of that. They celebrate the things he likes and we are so blessed to have them in his life. Mickey Mouse makes him happy and he's so proud to wear that shirt so I will be too!
I often say how Nolan and his autism diagnosis teach me things everyday. On this rainy Tuesday morning Ii'm reminded that the things I teach my kids apply to me too.
Be a leader.
Don't follow the crowd just to be cool.
Be yourself and be proud of that.
Be nice to everyone and don't be afraid to be different.
I don't teach them these things because I'm a pro at it. I tell my kids this because it's something I still struggle with and I want them to learn it young. As christians we are supposed to be different. We are supposed to stand out. When you give your life to Jesus he changes you and you are supposed to look different from those that don't know Him. Romans 12:2 says, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." I need to write this down and put in on my mirror in my bathroom to see everybody. It is such a good reminder no matter how old you are. Be different for Jesus. Be yourself in Jesus and be proud of that. Be nice to everyone and love like Jesus does. And rock that Mickey Mouse shirt like it's the coolest thing in the world!
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