Our youngest son Cohen has Down syndrome, and happens to be the most beautiful baby boy I’ve ever seen. (I’m of course not biased at all) Due to an extra 21st chromosome, individuals with Down syndrome have many distinctive physical features. These features include but are not limited to almond shaped eyes, a smaller, flatter nose, smaller ears, small stature and a single hand crease among other things. When I look at my son Cohen, I no longer see Down syndrome. I just see my handsome son.
While there are similarities in physical appearance between those who have Down syndrome, just like chromosomally typical people, they also look very different from each other. In fact, my son looks so much like his older brother and his Daddy. Every now and again someone will say he resembles me, but usually people recognize his paternal traits more quickly. I don’t mind though. I don’t care which side he looks like, he is mine and he is beautiful J
Recently, I was thinking about what Cohen will look like, as he grows older. I do hope he continues to resemble his Daddy. However, more importantly, my prayer is that Cohen resembles his heavenly father.
Do you remember the song by Amy Grant, Father’s Eyes? Here are the words to the chorus:
She’s got her Father’s eyes
Her Father’s eyes
Eyes that find the good in things
When good is not around
Eyes that find the source of help
When help just can’t be found
Eyes full of compassion
Seeing every pain
Knowing what you’re going through
And feeling it the same
Just like my Father’s eyes
My Father’s eyes
My Father’s eyes
Just like my Father’s eyes
Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
What a glorious compliment to be told you have our heavenly Father’s eyes. That is my prayer for my son, which is my prayer for myself. I want the Lord to help me see things the way that he does.
Do you have your Father’s eyes? How might you resemble him more closely? How else would you describe the eyes of God?