YOUTH CORNER

THE GREATEST IS CHARITY

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Cor. 13:13 [KJV]

It happened in Seattle at the Special Olympics.  It was time for the finale of the day: The Hundred Yard Dash.  There were nine contestants, all of them were physically or mentally disabled, that lined up at the starting line.  The gun signaled the start of the race and they all started toward the ribbon hanging across the track one hundred yards away.  It was the fastest race but all of the nine gave their best to cross the finish line first.

Then it happened.  One young boy stumbled, he fell face first on the track surface, rolled over and started to cry.  The other eight heard the boy crying and turned their heads back to see him sprawling on the track.  They slowed down and stopped.  One started back and the rest followed.

One little girl with Down's Syndrome bent down, put her arms around him, and kissed him, telling him, "It's okay."  Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line.

They say everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for ten minutes. 

The Olympics in Australia were wonderful to watch.  Some of the greatest athletes in the world striving to do their best and that is an exciting thing.  Yet, I think I would have preferred to see that 100 yard dash run at the Seattle Special Olympics.  I would like to have cheered those eight compassionate runners and shared in the joy of that special moment where love outdistanced the desire to be first.

You see, I know that there are more important things than winning. Love, compassion, friendship last a lot longer than earthly ribbons,  medals or  trophies.  When all the earthly trophies, awards and medals are cast aside, the only thing that will count towards reward before the throne of God is the love we've shown to God and man for the Law and the Prophets (Bible) are based on these.  And I hear there is a special reward for those who would but give even a glass of water to the least of His.

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