“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." ~ Proverbs 27:17
It’s hard to explain Autism. Some say it’s a lack of emotions.
Eddie, for example, a non-verbal 7-year-old within the
autism spectrum, never cries. That’s
because he cries differently. His tears
become actions instead. He channels his
love into helping in that wonderfully obsessive way of his.
He'd protect anyone, help anyone, because his heart hears
the hearts of everyone - not the mask or self-deception, but the real self. That's real love!
Mick, an Irish ‘busker’ (street
performer), had been a fixture for the last 10 years bringing smiles and joy to
the community on Dublin’s streets, trams, and other public places. He made friends with strangers easily by
sharing wins and struggles through his music.
And in doing so, reminding them that they’re not alone.
Sensing the boy’s discomfort on the crowded tram, Mick did what he does so naturally. Facing directly across from Eddie on the train, he began strumming his guitar to a beloved tune he hoped the boy would recognize.
Mick didn’t have to wait long. Eddie could hardly contain his delight, laughing at Mick’s spirited rendition of Randy Newman’s classic "You’ve Got a Friend in Me," better known as the soundtrack from Disney's Toy Story.
Even though he couldn’t express himself
verbally, Eddie’s joy was obvious from his giggling while he
listened. It was said to have raised the
car’s otherwise chilly climate to that of a blissful summer’s afternoon. A perfect way to show why sweet harmony has
the ability to warm people’s hearts and why music is considered the "the
universal language.”
The video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GESandLcjTs quickly went viral. It was filmed before face masks were required, so you can see the boy's wonderful reaction to the song. The two soon became regular fixtures for Dubliner’s using the tram system regularly. The song is perfect for two friends reuniting who haven't seen each other in a while:
“You got troubles; I've got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together and see it through
'Cause you've got a friend in me!”
Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, offers counsel in
Proverbs 17:27 on the subject of friendship. He explained that if we want friends, we must
be friendly and reach out to others.
But reaching out involves risk. Perhaps you think, “What if they don’t like
me?” Because we’re often afraid of
rejection, many of us are unwilling to reach out to others. We take a safer path and wait for others to
befriend us. But if we want friends,
we’ve got to move beyond that. It’s our
responsibility to make friends.
