A few years ago as I was flipping channels, I caught a documentary on PBS called, “The Teachings of Jon”.  Jon is an adult with Down Syndrome.  Being a teacher for children who have disabilities, it caught my attention.  It was such a beautiful film made by the sister of Jon who is a film maker by profession.  The documentary tells the story of Jon’s life & family through the present.  More information about the film can be found on the website:  www.teachingsofjon.com/.  At the end of the film was a quote from a fictional novel by Morris West entitled, “The Clowns of God”.  In the book, Jesus says:

‘I know what you are thinking. You need a sign. What better one could I give but to make this little one whole and new? I could do it, but I will not. I am the Lord and not a conjurer. I gave this mite a gift I denied to all of you — eternal innocence. To you she looks imperfect — but to me she is flawless, like the bud that dies unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by ants. She will never offend me, as all of you have done. She will never pervert or destroy the work of my Father’s hands. She is necessary to you. She will evoke the kindness that will keep you human. Her infirmity will prompt you to gratitude for your own good fortune … More! She will remind you every day that I am who I am, that my ways are not yours, and that the smallest dust mite whirled in the darkest spaces does not fall out of my hand … I have chosen you. You have not chosen me. This little one is my sign to you.  Treasure her!’ “