I recently watched a biopic called Temple Grandin on HBO. In my narrow mindedness I thought the movie (by its title) was about a Buddhist temple! Needless to say I was wrong and pleasantly so.

Instead it was a movie about a woman called Temple Grandin who was ‘life challenged’ with autism. Her story told of how she lived with autism to go onto become a designer of humane livestock facilities and is presently a professor at Colorado State University.

The movie, her life, was fascinating. Her story compelling. But more to the point, it reminded me that one persons challenge if directed (and the person’s soul nurtured)  could allow them the successes that many thought to deny. She wasn’t sheltered or put aside because of who she was. Instead she was exposed to a world that was ‘normal’ for those who loved her which sparked something inside, something that later benefited  an entire industry. Remarkable. The human spirit is simply remarkable.

This movie came to me at a time in which I was counseling one of my middle school students and he had mentioned how kids with disabilities are often victims of teasing by their peers. He was (at at times still is) an unfortunate recipient of such teasing due to a limp. He knows first hand how our culture’s perception of imperfection can lead to isolation, anger, painful teasing, and depression. This often leads to a less than positive outlook towards life as the target for such negative thoughts and behaviors by others. Fortunately, like Temple, he has found people in his life  who saw past his disability. They had the same expectations (and hopes) of him  as they would someone who was more physically able. They may have modified their expectations due to the reality of his physical ability  but it was only after he tried.

Both of these individuals reminded me not to underestimate the spirit and ability of those we may question. A blind person who can master music, an amputee who can climb a mountain, a mentally challenged person who can live and survive on their own. These are all the miracles of life that we often forget are within the powers of our universe. One’s soul, heart and god given path may not be seen by mere mortal eyes. But thank god due to those who don’t give up and expose them to the everyday miracles,  they can grow and thrive. Like Temple, this young man’s path may lead him to greatness despite (or maybe because of his disability). All I know is I will never question the wonders of a life and will  continue to celebrate those who are less able than myself who can truly LIVE through their everyday challenges.