It happened a few years ago at the Special Olympics in Seattle. Nine
contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line
for the hundred-yard dash. The contestants waited. The crowd watched. The gun
sounded. It wasn't exactly a dash, but all nine ran the best they could. Hoping
to finish. Hoping to win. Suddenly one of them stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled
over, and began to cry.
The other eight heard his cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then every one
of them stopped, turned around, and went back to get him.
A girl with Down syndrome bent over and kissed him. "This will make it better,"
she said sweetly. A few helped him up. Then all nine linked arms and walked
across the finish line. Together.
Everyone in the stadium stood. The ovation went on for several minutes. People
who were there still tell this story. Why? Because joy is one of the few things
that is multiplied when it's divided. Because those who bring sunshine to the
lives of others can't keep it from shining on themselves.
Callaway, Phil. Laughing Matters. Oregon: Multnomah Publishers, 2005, p. 87-88.
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.