This past Saturday morning was one of my favorite days.
It began with the ugly task of rousing an eleven year old boy out of bed for an early obligation. But after digging through drawers to find the right baseball jersey and stuffing a couple of powder doughnuts down him, Josh began to rally.
This was the morning my son's baseball team had volunteered to come alongside a Challenge Baseball League. Children anywhere from six years old to teenagers, facing challenges from the mildest of autism to the inability to walk, hear or talk, were in need of buddies who would help them play the game. Baseball today wouldn't be about hits, throws, signals or stealing; today the boys a would learn a whole lot more.
While our team looked apprehensive as they met their buddies, in no time they began to engage with their new friends. They played catch, chatted, and even picked clovers alongside them. The most wonderful moments came when each child crossed home plate, followed enthusiastically by their cheering buddy. Hugs came naturally, smiles were genuine, and high fives were a given.
I loved the impact Saturday morning had on my son. And me. Just like the Grinch, I'm pretty sure our hearts grew a few sizes that day.
And while the enthusiasm of the Challenge Team players was precious, and the helpful hearts of our boys more than touching, it was the parents of the special needs children who stole my heart.
As we walked back to our cars to return to our careless, easy Saturdays, I realized that these parents didn't have the same type of day ahead of them. Years earlier, they had come to the understanding that every one of their days would be filled with hard work, endless patience, and a depth of love that has understood the sacrificial love to which Christ has called all of us.
On a much smaller scale, Shepherding can require the same steadfastness and sacrifice. Year after year, we find ourselves serving...sometimes seeing the fruit of our labor, sometimes not so much. But we keep going.
And once in awhile, just like our boys last Saturday, we get a small glimpse of why we do what we do.
Shepherds, please share with each other what it is that helps keep you going,
serving, and running the race as you serve God and the Women of
Grace.
