Worthy Purpose

 “We are God’s masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus, to help Him do His work." ~ Eph 2:10

Michael walked down the street in the middle of San Antonio when he came across a busy construction site. He stopped briefly as heavy equipment operators moved tons of dirt and materials. Masons poured concrete, iron workers built structures, and bosses gave instructions. Everyone played an important instrument in this symphony set in motion.

He became fascinated by workers in a ditch by the sidewalk and decided to ask one of them what they were doing?” A tired, mud-splattered plumber looked up and paused. Excitement filled his eyes like sparkplugs roaring an engine with the growl of anticipation.

"We're building the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park for kids with disabilities,“ his boasted proudly. “It’ll open next year (2010) as “Morgan’s Wonderland.” It will include rides, playgrounds, gardens, a special-event center, and 575-seat amphitheater."

Before returning to his work, the man suggested that Michael check out the website and learn more about the project’s back story. And so, he did.

Six years earlier, Gordon Hartman sold his homebuilding business to establish The Hartman Family Foundation so he and his wife, Maggie, could help children and adults with special needs.

During a family vacation, their daughter Morgan, who was born with physical and cognitive disabilities, wanted to play with kids tossing a ball in a hotel swimming pool. But when she asked them, they quickly took their ball and vanished.

Never forgetting the anguished look on Morgan’s face, the heartbroken father decided there had to be a way to bridge the gap of misunderstanding about people with special needs. As a retired home builder, Hartman answered the looming question himself by erecting a theme park called “Morgan’s Wonderland” that opened in 2010.

The phrase “ultra-accessible” drove the park’s design, from waterproof, compressed-air fueled wheelchairs to water areas set at different temperatures for those who can’t manage the cold. The park has no bright flashing lights or anything that might trigger seizures.

Seven years later they added a water park, “Morgan's Inspiration Island,” featuring accessible splash pads and water play areas. At the Wharf, guests can even participate in catch-and-release fishing.

All the rides and attractions are fully accessible to those using any type of wheelchair. It's a special park where one can relax regardless of your abilities, and enjoy a barrier-free, wonderful time.

There are a great many purposes to which you can dedicate your life. Wealth does not necessarily correlate with spiritual advancement. Both men shared a similar vision. The entrepreneur used his wealth to provide amusement activities for a disadvantaged group. The man in the ditch committed himself to building a worthy structure because he shared the same vision enthusiastically.

Creator God, God, bring into my vision people and opportunities that’ll help reveal the passions and dreams that You have planted within my heart. Direct me in ways to explore how I’m naturally equipped to serve others and bring You glory. Amen

Golden Mom

 “Every child is born from their mother’s inner strength." ~ Ezekiel 19:2

The situation seemed hopeless; desperation eclipsed the wonderful news the zoo’s staff had announced just weeks before. Canine parents Bleu and Maurice were expecting a litter of African-painted dogs, the first U.S. births in protective captivity in over 3 years.

Native to sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than 6,600 African-painted dogs remain on earth. Endangered and declining rapidly, they are often targeted by hunters for threatening livestock.

Their mottled coats sport the hippest fur in the bush with splashes of brown, white, and yellow. In the wild, African-painted wolves live in large packs. Thus, zoo staff typically remains hands-off so packs can raise pups as they would in the wild and acquire the social structure of their species.

Eight pups arrived in September. But Bleu, an inexperienced mother, wasn’t adequately caring for her pups, and Maurice followed her lead. Quickly, it became clear the newborns - vital to the growth of the species’ population - would perish without intervention.

Instead of bottle-feeding the pups, the staff furiously sought a surrogate dog to help nurse and raise them. In their desperation, a novel pathway opened up.

Within hours, the local Animal Welfare agency contacted the zoo with a female golden retriever with a new litter and milk to share. Kassy, her own 4 puppies in tow, came to the zoo and instantly nursed the painted dog pups as her own.

Over the next month, raising the painted dog pups came with difficulties and disappointments. As is common with baby animals, some of the painted dog pups didn’t survive despite the valiant efforts of Kassy and the Animal Care team.

But three did.

Today the blended family of pups are extremely playful, inquisitive, and on the path to a healthy life.

Once the African-painted dog pups are older, they will move to another accredited facility with hopes of joining a pack of their own to help expand the animals’ population.

All because one mother stepped in.

A mother’s love is a magnificent force that transcends earthly boundaries. It is the beacon of unconditional love and sacrifice, shedding light on our lives even before we take our first breath.

As children, we find solace in our mother’s presence. Her tireless endeavors to nurture, guide, and elevate us punctuate every stage of our lives. Her strength is our shield in the storm; no matter how far we drift, her beacon of love invariably guides us back home.

Let us pay tribute to all the guardian angels - Moms, by birth or by choice - who unwaveringly watch over their children. Your sacrifices change lives. Your love molds the future. And your warmth makes this world a more compassionate and kinder place.

Lord, on this special day, may we honor and cherish the special women who have born us, nurtured us, and prayed for our well-being. Let our hearts overflow with gratitude to You, who formed and knitted each of us in a mother’s womb. Amen

Together for a Reason

 “We are God’s handiwork, created to do good works." ~ Ephesians 2:10

Harold’s grandson grabbed a booth while he went to order some breakfast. Workers toiled through the numbness of the job, cranking out orders like an assembly line.

McDonald's had recently installed self-service kiosks. Harold questioned the idea of touching a filthy screen just to get in line to pay for what he just ordered.

Working the cash register, however, was an older lady, well beyond 70 years. Platinum hair and wire-framed glasses; she looked like everybody’s grandma. Greeting each customer with a friendly smile and a few kind words, her warmth brightened the entire restaurant. He sidestepped the kiosk.

When it was his turn, Harold returned the smile. “Your cheery attitude is a ray of sunshine on this otherwise gloomy day,” he added. “Mind if I order here at the counter instead?”

She laughed, patted his hand, and said, “No extra charge, Hon!”

They finished their breakfast and Harold waited for the cashier to take her morning break.  As she walked by their booth, he motioned for her to join them and she welcomed the invitation.

He learned from Loraine that this was a special day at the Golden Arches. Today marked her 44^th year of working for the chain. Franchise owners were hosting a celebration in her honor complete with free coffee and cake. A kind gesture though she’s not retiring.

“Miss Loraine,” started serving friendship at McDonald's in 1979 after her late husband retired due to a disability. He died the following year.

She rises at 3 a.m. for her early weekend shifts. Customers say that she’s the only one who makes oatmeal correctly. “They’re my life,” she offered. “I’ve traveled with them, gone to ball games with them. They’re friends, not just customers. They were my life savers when I lost my husband.”

I'll bet you could teach these kids a thing or two,” Harold suggested.

“We learn from each other,” Loraine quickly countered. “I tend to think longer term and know what it means to commit through thick and thin. I “know the ropes” and am happy to pass along what I know about interpersonal skills like common courtesy and team play.”

“In turn, they help me with computers and my iPhone. Their perspectives are more diverse which helps open my eyes to the ever-changing world. They’re great at thinking out of the box too.”

“We’re together for a reason,” she added.

Harold left the restaurant richer for the experience. It’s funny, he thought, how we work hard for money to buy things. But the things that matter most can’t be bought. They’re given easily and joyfully received. Love, smiles, hugs, laughter, intimacy, happiness, joy, and connection are all free of charge; God-given talents we give each other.

Father God, You’ve called me to thrive and succeed in community, not isolation. May I see the true value of those You’ve placed in my life. Show me what it means to be a real friend who helps others succeed. Amen