"This will make it better"

John 13:34 (ESV)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

With the Olympics just around the corner I wanted to share a story about the Seattle Special Olympics.

Nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back -- every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said," This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story.

We believers should have this kind of love, compassion and concern for one another. In this day and age, it seems we only look out for ourselves! When we see a brother or sister in the Lord struggling, many times our first instinct is to compare and criticize. We’re quick to rebuke and run for the winning finish line alone! We can take a lesson from the kids in our story.

Let’s take a look at our actions. Perhaps we can show more love than we have been showing. If we see someone falling, let’s turn around, pick him up and help him to the finish line. May God pour out His great love out upon us as we pour it upon others today.

Dear Lord, help us stop and notice those around us that need help. Help us to be  the one that shows them love. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

God Works Miracles

Matthew 19:26 (New International Version)

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Some stories stick with us forever. This is one of them for me.

The story takes place during a Special Olympics track meet. From the stands, a professor watched as a young man crossed the finish line first. Abandoning all inhibitions, the exuberant winner jumped with joy at his win. He grinned from ear to ear and repeatedly yelled, "Mom! Mom! Mom!" Sitting in front of the professor was a woman whose obvious delight and unrestrained tears made it clear that she was the winner's mother. Puzzled by the intensity of her emotions, he nonetheless leaned over to congratulate the woman. He, too, was moved to tears by what she said. Asking to be excused for her outburst, she explained that she was crying so hard because this was the first time her adult son had ever spoken her name: "Mom".

Although not necessarily a "Christian" story, I think most Christians would see God's hand at work in this miracle.

It reminds us that we worship an all-powerful God -- a God Who uses everything, even secular things (like the Special Olympics), to work miracles. God's answers to prayers are sometimes found where least expected. Consequently, our duty is to be to open to recognizing the unexpected ways in which He works.

The story also reminds us that we can do only so much. Like the mother, our job is to get to the game. Sometimes, after doing all we can, we are relegated to the position of spectator. It is then that we must trust God to accomplish what we cannot. This does not mean that the path is easy. But when we lean on God, great things are possible.

Dear Lord, we thank You for all that You do for us. We pray for the strength and hope for the future in knowing that You will accomplish great things through us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The True Winner

Matthew 7:12 (New International Version)

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Craig Saunders wrote about an experience he witnessed when he attended a Special Olympics for the Handicapped where several people from his church were competing. He shared how in the 220 track race there was a very fast runner named Andrew who was 50 yards ahead of the rest of the runners when he glanced back and saw his best friend fall. The crowd at the finishing post was yelling to Andrew, "Come on, come on, come on!"

But Andrew stopped and went back and took his friend's hand and lifted him to his feet and they ran together to finish the race.

The entire crowd stood to their feet and applauded. As Saunders said, "It was an amazing sight because that's what the Special Olympics are about. People don't consider being 'Number One.' The most important thing is that people finish the race."

Andrew won the Sportsman Award at those Special Olympics because he was more concerned being "Number One" with his friend than being "Number One" with the crowd.

Dear Lord we pray that today we would look for ways to help others and put them first rather than ourselves. In Jesus’ name, Amen.