Well the cold/flu that was slowly making its way through my family finally overcame my defenses Friday night, giving me the opportunity to get some rest this weekend. It seems that there are two types of people, those who go down with every little ailment and others who require nothing short of World War III to stop moving forward. As you can guess, I tend to follow the latter pattern.
Changes in routine of any type can result in new experiences and broadened horizons. Yesterday morning I had enough strength to watch a new series on MTV called “World of Jenks.” Produced by a 24 year old filmmaker, this thoughtful program takes Andrew Jenks on deep into the lives of various people around the country.
The particular episode I watched told the story of Chad, a 20 year old with autism. Jenks and Chad get to know one another while, a process that reveals the challenges faced by someone with autism. Jenks, in his cool yet caring style touched Chad’s heart, but what is more surprising to Jenks and viewers is how much Chad touched Jenks’ heart.
Being temporarily limited in capacity by virtue of this flu, I cannot imagine what a permanent disability must feel like. The everyday normal experience of most people is nothing but a distant dream for many people on earth for various reasons.
If anything today I have discovered a new level of empathy for those who are physically, mentally or emotionally limited. I could tell from Jenks’ experience that he had to maintain a high level of expectation relative to Chad, but that he also had to be careful to make allowances for the “flat spots” in Chad’s development and function.
What about you? Are you tolerant of those in your world, to a fault? Are you sensitive enough to set the bar high where it can be achieved by those you serve while knowing how to set markers of progress for those who fall short in one area or another? To be sure, there is a balance.
Unreasonably high and consistently unattainable goals will eventually isolate those around you from you while aiming too low will eventually result in performance akin to a low-grade fever…neither hot nor cold.
Look to those who depend on you as being the canvas upon which you paint a picture of eternal progress in your world. There may be the occasional setback, but take care not to throw up your hands and abdicate your position of responsibility in relation to that one.
If you haven’t had a chance, watch “World of Jenks” and you will be delightfully surprised at what a 24 year old is capable of when he sets himself to an uncommon task.
Gregory Hake 
Thanks for this humbling reminder of just how great we have it, and how we should look to use that greatness to help others, who are closer than we think, to wake up to this revelation and rise out of the abundance creating more.
Thanks Gregg.
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You’re welcome!
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Been enjoying your posts.
We have been exposed to the top Billion more often than than the bottom Billion. And in between, there are another 4 Billion people. Somehow if we can pay forward and create a wave, Jenks’ way. The blessing will flow both ways, I am sure.
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I appreciate your comment and the scope of your thinking, Thang.
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This is great! I’ll spread the word.
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Thank you and have a wonderful day.
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Good points! Given MTV’s programming in recent years, I had pretty much thrown up my hands relative to that network. But your recommendations usually pan out well so I’ll give it a view.
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It is a great program. Jenks does a great job!
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Thanks for the recommendation – I’ll check it out.
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Enjoy! Thanks for the comment.
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Way to make the best of a limited situation!
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Thanks. It could be worse.
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Tolerance, patience, kindness, understanding and empathy set a pulse in our lives for other people. It is the stability that people seek in others so they can feel free to be as they are and at the same time evolve and change as they mature. A safe haven of friendship.
Hope you’re feeling better soon.
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Great points. I appreciate your comments and the well wishes.
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Wow, I watched this show after reading your blog this morning. What a beautiful insight into the world of an autistic person. Sure they have limitations and they require a love and devotion that requires patience and flexibility and yet will allow them to grow as they are capable of growing. Setting the bar for anyone takes such an awareness of all factors, it is not easy and we sometimes take one step back for the two we have taken forward, but not giving up and throwing the hands up is critical. That would be the easiest thing to do at times but we must remember we are here to make this a better world for everyone we come into contact with.
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I agree. Thanks for your comment!
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Empathy is such an important aspect of life – if we can’t empathize with others, how can we possibly ever really understand and help someone else.
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There are many important points in this post. I think that having the right level of expectation for others is the highest form of caring. You care enough to help them grow, if they’ll let you. Sometimes you have to let a friendship go, but this should be the exception, especially if you pick your friends well from the beginning. In the case of Jenks and Chad, I think (from your account) Jenks showed remarkable empathy, and I hope he can help many people see how many people are good, regardless of their limitations.
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It’s not always easy to help people grow…reminds me of the old joke: “How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, but the bulb has to want to change.”
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