Ever have one of those moments where God is working in the hallway while everyone else is watching the movie?

I had one of those tonight when we went to the movies as a family.

Movies with Oliver are always hit or miss. Sometimes he does great, and other times I end up walking the hallways for an hour because he never stops moving. Sometimes that can feel discouraging. It’s hard not to wish he could just sit still or that the snacks would be enough to keep him occupied. I have moments of frustration just like anyone else.

Because of that, when we plan activities, we know Oliver may struggle with, one parent will sometimes take his siblings while the other stays home with him. Yet over time, I’ve learned to love some of these unexpected moments. While he may miss the movie, he was full of giggles tonight as he ran up and down the wheelchair ramp. Learning that joy can be found in simple things, and that not every experience has to be a grand event, has been a lesson God continues to teach me.

Having a child with a genetic disorder comes with so many unknowns. When that diagnosis is terminal, it’s even harder not to feel like everything has to be perfect all the time. It may sound silly, but the truth is that Oliver doesn’t need perfection. He needs love, patience, and people willing to meet him where he is.

One verse that often comes to mind is Jeremiah 1:5:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Before my husband and I even knew Oliver was coming, God knew him. God had a purpose for his life, and tonight was a reminder of that.

During the hour Oliver and I spent exploring every hallway in the movie theater, we met the assistant manager. What started as a simple conversation turned into something much deeper. He shared that his daughter has severe autism and sensory challenges and that he is now facing the transition into adulthood with her. He told me it wasn’t until she was in third grade that she could comfortably participate in activities like going to the movies.

As parents of children with higher support needs, it’s easy to feel like we’re missing out when outings don’t go as planned. Our conversation quickly turned to resources, support systems, and the importance of community for families affected by disabilities. He talked not only about the needs of his own family but also about his desire to help other families in similar situations.

Oliver may never know that his need to walk the hallways led to that conversation. He may never realize that his detour created an opportunity to encourage another parent and build a connection that otherwise never would have happened.

But sometimes the detour becomes the ministry.

And that’s something God is teaching me more and more every day.