"Let me win. But if I can not win. Let me be brave in the attempt."
-Special Olympics Motto
We hear alot about people and their "bucket lists" these days. Those things that people want to do before they die. I personally think that towards the top of everyone's bucket lists should be to experience a Special Olympics Event.
If you want to witness unconditional love, compassion, joy and courage in it's purest form--then you only need to watch those who are considered to be the "least of these." Those with cognitive disabilities don't spend alot of time worrying about what others will think when they give a hug, when they cheer for some one on the other team, or what they look like when they struggle to make a basket in basketball.
McKenna and Aaron participate in basketball, bocce ball, and bowling with Special Olympics. The friendships they have made there are inspiring. They have never spent a moment feeling sorry for themselves because they could not do something that someone else can do easily. We who are looked upon as "normal" sure have spent alot of time feeling sorry for ourselves because some one else has more talent, or money, or lucky breaks in life. We have so much to learn from those who have been set apart for such a purpose as this. If you attend an event, you will surely be welcomed as family.
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart."
Jeremiah 1:5
I am so thankful for the ministry God has given our kids with disabilities...they make an impact in the world just by "being." As a family who has multiple disabled children, we have no "luxury" of blending in the crowd--our testimony is always out there..and people are watching. What a gift and a responsibility that is. And we are thankful that we have such great teachers to remind us of what really is important in life...
If you want a lesson on living in the moment, loving without reserve, and giving with all that you have got, please take some time to get to know some new friends with cognitive disabilities. You will experience the love that Jesus offers us and you will be blessed....I promise.
