“Hi God, it’s me, Eric. Thank you for being such an awesome God. Thank you for the blessings you shower on me daily. I know you are an all-knowing God, an all powerful God, a loving God, and a just God. I know you cannot stand it when I sin. I know I have not been a good disciple and have not forged the relationship with you that I ought to have. As a matter of fact, I am ashamed to say that I am repeatedly a member of the 0% club – as in, I have kept from breaking 0% of your Ten Commandments. For the many sins of my day, I ask your forgiveness.

Heavenly Father, I know you don’t expect me to be perfect. That’s why you sent your son, Jesus, to live among us and to die for us – a sin sacrifice. I know, that through this selfless act of love, I have been washed clean from my own sins.

So God, I’m wondering, “Why does Surreia have Autism?” I can’t imagine you would punish my sinfulness by afflicting my daughter with this terrible condition. I don’t believe in fate, God, because you are in control of all of creation. I know you have a plan for our lives and for Surreia’s life, but where does Autism fit in?? God, I am not upset (although at times I must admit I am confused by all of this). Help me understand…”

I have spoken these words to God on many occasions. During a recent conversation with my father, he shared with me that he too has struggled with his granddaughter’s Autism. It was then that he shared with me where he found his answers – John 9. As I read the verses and the accompanying pages of a Bible commentary, I too gained a deeper understanding of God’s plan for Surreia and her time here on Earth.