Special

This past Saturday I spent the day in Nashville at Vanderbilt's track. My boyfriend's sister has an autistic son. His name is Kyle and he is 23 years old. Kyle had participated in the Special Olympics here in Clarksville back the first of May. He ran in the 100 yard dash and the 50 yard dash. He participated in the same two events this past Saturday at the state Special Olympics. He won the gold medal in the 50 and the bronze in the 100. Needless to say, he was very excited.
It was a beautiful day all around. Hanging out with the participants was such a humbling experience. I did not want to be anywhere else that day. I wanted to support Kyle, after all, he has supported my boys and his brother when they played baseball. I experienced a total different sports atmosphere. These athletes constantly had smiles on their faces, laughter, spirit, and support for their fellow athletes. It was awesome! When they crossed that finish line, they were so excited and happy. They had accomplished what they set out to do...to finish. They did not have to finish first, they just wanted to finish. And when they finished, the roar from the supporting crowd gave me chills.
I had a fantastic time yelling when they would go by. They would smile so big when they heard their supporters...some would get so tickled by the audience they would lose their balance. And when they would line up on the podium to receive their medal they would dance.
If our children who have no disability would just have the same outlook as these fine athletes did, what a difference...If our parents would instow in their children the true meaning...what a difference. It is just having the mindset that you put your best into it, no matter what place you finished, but that you did finish makes a huge difference on one's outlook on life.
I learned much from those athletes on Saturday. I know I am running a race now, living day by day. We find ourselves wanting to give up and it is so easy to feel that way these days with how the world is.
But God wants us to run the race, stay focused on that finish line...finish...finish...I can hear Him and feel Him pushing me to that finish line just like those volunteers for the Special Olympics.
And then we can look into His glorious face and as He looks down into ours we can hear Him say, "well done good and faithful servant"
With admiration I want to thank all the volunteers who share their love and patience with these special athletes. You are my hero.