HERO (Hendrick Equine Rehabilitation Operation) is a hippotherapy program working with disabled children through the local hospital. This is my fifth consecutive year to participate, and I absolutely love it.
Every year, I learn something from these wonderful kiddos. Their joy is absolutely beautiful. These children have so many physical problems, yet somehow they are happy. The boy I worked with in HERO last semester laughs all of the time; a contagious laugh that quickly spreads around the arena. And what makes him laugh? Everything. He takes joy in everything, in just being alive. He laughs simply because he is happy, because he is a three-year old boy who is carefree and loves life. He is a small, fragile disabled boy and he doesn't even seem to know it.
The children who participate in HERO are like this. When a child climbs up onto his or her trustworthy horse, all other troubles are gone. For half an hour she can forget that she uses a walker. For thirty minutes, he can pretend his braces are gone and he is running down the basketball court to win the game. What a compelling reminder to live life with the joy of a child.
Today I have been convicted to be content in all circumstances.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
This verse is thrown around so frequently as a sort of trump card, almost a promise that we can do whatever we want with Christ's help. But in reality it is much more powerful than that. Paul has learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I find that to be a much more difficult undertaking. I love so many petty things and I seem to always want more that I have. My HERO session today reminded me to be thankful for what I have and to be content, whether in plenty or in want, whether in a wheelchair or on a horse.
1 comments:
Aren't children incredible? I think it is so amazing how they are so full of joy despite their struggles. I have felt the same way sometimes at treadaway kids. It's so beautiful and yet convicting to see kids who are dealing with so much more than me living so contently.
Neat stories.
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