Living

I've talked a little about sometimes feeling like I'm just merely surviving the day and not truly living...making the most of each day. Yesterday, I mentioned the rain...and a bit of a melancholy spirit. Today, was not a day of just surviving. Today, the sun was shining...and I was living...truly living.

I was blessed to attend the Special Olympics in our area today. The entire first grade class of the student I work with was allowed to attend the Olympics to support their classmate, who was participating. So, we loaded on the bus equipped with signs to hold up as we cheered him on. It was a beautiful day, which began with a storm...but ended with sunshine and held some moments in the middle that I will never forget.

He ran the first race like lightning, with his walker wheels flying, to the finish, where I stood waiting and cheering him on to victory. His efforts earned a first place ribbon...which he accepted with a big grin on his face. As he lined up for the next race, it appeared that he would be the only one competing in his division. His class began chanting "Go_________, Go!" Soon, the entire section of the field stopped what they were doing and joined the chant, cheering on this determined, precious soul. He slowed his pace and stopped in the middle of the track to turn to his class as they shouted his name. The energy was electrifying as more voices joined those already cheering. The moment was overwhelming. Tears streamed down my face...and even now, as I write these words, the tears come. My heart swelled with pride for his accomplishment, and humility that God notices every little one of us. He gave him that moment, with the entire stands shouting his name, cheering him on. That beautiful, amazing moment. "Keep going, dear one. I love you...I see you...you are a much loved, dearly treasured gift. I delight over you with singing." As I stood in the shadow of his moment, I felt the same words being whispered into my soul, nourishing, restoring, strengthening me. The same God who caused strangers to rise to their feet and shout the name of a child they did not know, loves me...sings over me...sees me as a dearly loved, treasured gift.

I ran beside him for a moment, reminding him to finish the race and he ran into the arms of his dad...with another big grin...and another blue ribbon.

And today...today was about living. Really living...

So, dear ones: Finish the race...your Dad is waiting at the finish line with His arms wide open...waiting for you...

(Oh...and thank you all for your prayers and kind thoughts. I am still physically under the weather, but my spirit is encouraged!)