“If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return.” -- Luke 6:38
This is not so much a story about bowling as it is ‘bawling.’ Angela’s daughter has special needs. Aside from the normal teen issues, she deals with a few unique ones as well – like how much to protect her daughter, Jennifer, due to her disabilities.
Jennifer’s condition stirs a plethora of emotions in Angela. Occasionally beset with confusion and doubts about the future, she reminds herself that her worst moments with Jennifer are infinitely better than not having her at all. On better days, her heart rejoices at life’s small but incremental successes.
Two friends from church invited Jennifer to go bowling. What wonderfully sweet, unselfish girls! They seem to genuinely love time with Jennifer and she adores them right back!
Angela was reticent about the excursion. On one hand, she pictured Jennifer picking up her bowling ball, aiming carefully and throwing a strike. Her arms raised in victory, she high-fives her cheering teammates, and makes her way through an admiring crowd of family and friends, stopping to hug every one of them.
On the other hand, there are many ways this could go wrong. Were they good drivers? Could they handle other kids who might poke fun of Jennifer? What if she injured herself bowling?
This was a rite of passage for Jennifer, one that she needed to experience! Still, it didn’t calm her fear or settle her growing anxiety.
On the day of the big event, Angela was more emotional than usual. "She can't tie her own shoes,” she wept. How humiliating it will be for her friends to tie them for her. Maybe this whole thing was a bad idea!
As she left with her friends, Jennifer seemed to walk just a few inches taller. Upon returning home several hours later, Angela allowed her some quiet time alone. Sensing Angela’s fretfulness, Jennifer declared matter-of-factly “Mary tied my shoes!” Jennifer went on, "She was really nice about it! They also taught me how to bowl – it was really fun Mom!”
Angela’s heart soared. She pictured Jesus the last time he was with all his disciples. Out of love he taught them one final lesson in humility, by washing their feet. These girls don't feel better than Jennifer just because they can tie their shoes! Like Jesus - they help her out of love! Tears filled her eyes – no longer tears of fear and agony, but rather those of deep faith! They help her . . . but she helps them too, in their walk with Christ. Love given . . . is the only love kept!
Father - We live to serve You and each other. Give me the tools, the wisdom, and the patience to be the best friend I can be. Give those with special needs, the ABILITIES they require to learn life’s lessons and the tenacity to apply them. Open my heart to wonderful new possibilities and rewarding companionships. Amen
