God's Special Children

Special Needs People.
I have the privilege to work with Special Olympics athletes. The fact that they participate in Special Olympics does not make them unique among special needs people.  There are many people in this demographic that do not participate for various reasons.  For me, getting to know and work with my special friends is a blessing that I receive more than I can return.

This past weekend, Farmington hosted the annual Four Corners Regional Special Olympics.  What an amazing event to experiences.  HUNDREDS of athletes from across the four corner region gathered to be among their peers to participate in a wide range of athletic events.  It is a sight to behold.  The participants range from highly functional disabled, to severely limited functionality.

My participation is to coach the swimming event.  Over the years, I have seen many of our team develop from having high anxiety of water to swimming independently.  I have also experienced the physical deterioration of functionality of some of our athletes.  Both experiences are extremely emotionally challenging.

It is incredible to see the desire and exhilaration of these awesome people as they participate in their chosen events.  Equally, it is inspiring and touching to see the pure innocence of children in fully (physically) grown adults.  The trust and love they return to us coaches and their care takers is something that is impossible to describe.  My Yellow Bus Driver dropped me off at the pool several years ago, and left me to participate with these Special People so that I may learn from them.

Continued

So I asked what lens do I look through?

What is absolute and true?  For sure, God is absolute and true.  Jesus is absolute and true.  The Word of God (scripture) is absolute and true.  The Eucharist is absolute and true. Some people say that these are only a crutch.  I say that they are my base and root.  Money, power, fame, talent, popularity, beauty etc. never last the test of time.

To say that death is absolute and true is not a statement of despair.  It is a fact.  What is despair, is to not have anything after death.

I can talk to people about these things and I can pray for people to believe these things.  Ultimately each person has to accept or reject these absolutes.  What I am grateful for at this point in my life is that I have come to grips with these and accept them.  They are my base, not my crutch.  Scripture tells us that a house built on a weak base will not last (Matt. 7:24-27)  Even though not eternal, we see evidence of ancient foundations, long after the building has deteriorated.  Same true with a sturdy tree.  Long after a tree dies and decays, roots remain.

I am most grateful that while I am still alive, and physically able to, I can receive the Body of Christ every day of my life in the Eucharist.  The Eucharist is the most amazing gift God gave us to bring us as close to Him as we possibly can while we have breath in our body.  While God will never force us to unite with Him, I believe He wishes that everyone will.

What lens do I look through?

News, movies, reality (my perception of it at least), internet, encounters with people. etc. etc. etc.   We are constantly being confronted with sometimes diametrically opposed viewpoints and images. What do we follow?  How do we know what is right and what isn't.  What is the kid that grows up in a family of addicts or thieves to understand?  What is a kid that is raised in a privileged environment supposed to think of the under privileged?   If someone has to collect food from a dumpster to eat, how does he/she feel okay about someone who says "have a nice day!"?
Today's gospel (Matthew 19:16-22) is the story of the young man that asks Jesus what he must do to enter into heaven. Jesus proceeds to recite the ten commandments.  The young man replies, "I already do that, what else must I do?"  Jesus tells him to give up his possessions and take care of the hungry and needy.  The young man goes away sad because he cannot give up his possessions.
I've often wondered about that.  Am I failing because I have possessions?  I'm hoping that what Jesus is saying is that I must not put my possessions in a position of greater importance than my love for God, or my fellow man.
I have been blessed to have what I need (and truly, more than I need).  Much of what I do in the ministries I serve are possible because of my possessions.  I am hoping if I direct my possessions given to me by the grace of God to things that benefit others, I will be following what Jesus was trying to tell the young man.
Truly there have been many Saints that have given up all worldly possessions, and dedicated their live to Prayer and service.  I guess I have to hope that my Yellow Bus Driver is taking me where He wants me to be.  Thankfully, He is patient, and forgiving.

Encounter with the homeless

I went by the shelter yesterday to talk to the assistant director about the upcoming season, and our schedule to serve.
Outside, I ran into one of the guests that is a regular.  She is someone I knew outside of the shelter before she became homeless.  She is a pretty woman, and if seen away from the shelter, one would not guess that she suffers from homelessness.  In talking to her, she told me she was returning after being refused admittance for a period of time due to violation of shelter rules. She lamented that she felt the shelter was not always the nicest place to stay.  I replied with empathy that although not perfect, it was much better than other alternatives.  She agreed.  I told her that those of us who volunteer there, cannot fully appreciate what their (the homeless) lives endure.  I assured her that in spite of that, we are there wholeheartedly doing what we can to make their stay as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
(It's the best that I can do, and I do it with the guidance of my creator).
Not wanting to sound like a broken record, experiences like this remind me how blessed and lucky I am to be where I am at this point in life.  

Procrastination

I promised to quit procrastinating yesterday !!  Yea, here I am today :~)
The blessings continue, and I pray that all enjoy the blessings I have received.  Realistically, I know that not everyone does.  Looking around in the world, we see so much difficulty.  With that perspective, I realize how good I have it.
I saw my old self the other day while I was sitting in traffic.  At a stop light, I saw cars inching forward ever so slightly while anticipating a green light.  Gotta hurry, gotta hurry, gotta go!  C'mon light, CHANGE!  No question, I have lived that life, and for the most part, I don't anymore.
I realize also, there are times when "getting there NOW is important.  An injured friend that has called for help.  A job interview that won't go well if arrival is late etc..  In the mean time, I realize that until that light changes, no worry, anxiety, impatience will make that inanimate light change any faster.  I'm only given so many minutes in this life.  I don't want to burn them with stress.
May we be blessed and aware as we go through today.

PS. Thank you my friend (you know who you are) for spurring my on to restart this blog, I love you.