C H A N G I N G O U R P A T H S
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 little boy who stumbled on the asphalt,
tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard
the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then 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." Then all nine linked arms and
walked together to the finish line. 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 this one thing:
What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What
matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing
down and changing our course.
