Value in the Unvalued

We live in such a disposable society.  If something breaks we throw it away, we easily grow tired of things and just discard them.  If it is not shiny and new nobody wants it.  People give up on marriage so easily because it is so easy to give up and quit.  Nobody wants to put effort into making things work.  That or they just don't see the value in it.  A small blemish in the packaging will cause us to walk away from an item.   Old and reliable has been thrown to the wayside.

The more statistics I hear about pregnancies that have an early diagnosis of Downs Syndrome the more disgusted I am.  The world makes it so easy for women just to "give up" on their baby because it is not going to be what they expect.  I hear of doctors actually trying to talk women into aborting their child with Downs Syndrome.  I heard one story of a doctor yelling at a mother of a newborn with DS who chose not to have prenatal screening done saying she was irresponsible to bring that child into the world!

What is it that makes people think that there is no value to these lives?  Why does the world view a person with Downs Syndrome as less of a person than someone who does not?  Lack of education maybe?  If it is not easy it has no value?  I just don't understand.  Just because a person comes in a package that looks a little different then average does not make them less loved by God.  Just because it takes them longer to catch on to something does not mean that they can not contribute to the world or make a difference to someone.  It frustrates me and for the life of me I can not figure out how someone can feel this way!

Maybe they just don't know anyone with DS.  Perhaps they shield themselves from anything different because they are scared and it is easier to avoid the person then it is to learn about them.  I will tell you in my 10 months with Preston, anyone who looks at him and takes the time to come see him will walk away with a smile on their face.  I have never seen anything like it.  He has such charisma!  It is unreal, people I do not even know want to see him, they want to be involved with him, he makes anyone who meets him happy.  He changes them just a little.

I am not sure what God has planed for this little baby, but I am telling you it is going to be amazing!  I felt this way ever since I found out that he could possibly have DS.  I am not sure how to explain it without everyone thinking I am a total nut, but God just makes me feel like this child is destined for something great.  He is amazing and has changed all of our lives.

I am so glad that my own personal beliefs do not allow me to devalue a life God has placed in this world.  God does not make mistakes and for some reason, despite all of our faults,  he has trusted Eric and I with this precious life.  How exciting is that!