A Touching Story

A Touching Story

A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100 yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win.

All, that is, except one boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy. They slowed down and looked back. They all turned around and went back. Every one of them.

One girl with Down’s Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said,”This will make it better.” All nine linked arms and walked across the finish line together. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes.

People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know one thing. What matters most in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What truly matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

 

PARISHONERS VISIT

Parishioners Visit

A new pastor was visiting the homes of his parishioners.

At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a card and wrote “Revelation 3:20” on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, Genesis 3:10.”

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter.

Revelation 3:20 begins “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Genesis 3:10 reads, “I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid, for I was naked.”

600 Stories

Tom, James and Larry went to a party. After the party they returned to the hotel. The hotel was 600 stories high.Unfortunately for them, the elevator was not working. They made a plan for the first 200 stories, Tom will crack jokes.The second 200 stories James will tell a happy story and lastly Larry will tell a sad story. They then started up the stepsAfter 2 hours it was Larry’s turn. He turned to the other two and said “OK guys, here’s my sad story. I forgot the keys downstairs.

Good For The Soul

Good for the Soul

Sometimes in our lives there are moments that are pure magic. For me, this was one of them.

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, “God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food and I would even thank you more if mom gets us ice-cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!”

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, “That’s what’s wrong with this country. Kids today don’t even know how to pray. Asking God for ice-cream! Why I never!”

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, “Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?”

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, “I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.”

“Really?” my son asked.

“Cross my heart.” Then in theatrical whisper he added, indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing, “Too bad she never asks God for ice-cream. A little ice-cream is good for the soul sometimes.”

Naturally I bought my kids ice-cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, “Here, this is for you. Ice-cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my soul is good already.”

Of all my children he is by far my most . . . trying. The quickest to anger, the first one to break something, and the last one to do as he’s told.

None of it matters though, ’cause like he said, his soul is good already!