Last week I spent two days helping a friend manage the bocce ball competition at the Special Olympics. My role was to assist with registration and with running the competition brackets. I was thrilled to spend a few days outside, to meet new people, and to learn a new sport. Truly, I wasn't sure what to expect. While I'm still trying to sort out how Special Olympics may fit into my future (and I believe it does), I thought I'd share what I learned:
- First, how to effectively (not necessarily efficiently) run a bracket - okay, numerous brackets as we had 10 competitions at one time. I'd never run a bracket before - so this was a first!
- Bocce seems like it should be laid back, but in fact, it can be quite competitive.
- Bocce isn't just for old people and cruise ships.
- Athletes want their brackets updated pronto!
More serious things I learned:
- Special Olympics athletes, coaches and volunteers are some of the most gracious people I have ever met.
- The athletes don't care what position they place, only that they are allowed to play the game and are recognized for their achievement.
- Every person created by God is perfect, we just have different gifts, skills and abilities.
- Ministry could learn a lot from the Special Olympics.
I walked away this Saturday absolutely in love with the athletes and what this organization does for them! I have to say, I'm a bit frustrated with myself that, in my ministry (and frankly, within my church) I have generally focused on the able-bodied and "average" minded, without consideration for those perfect children with different abilities. I'm not sure how to reconcile this in my mind, but I do know one thing for certain - God has given me a unique ability to see directly into the hearts of these special people and past their disabilities. This is a gift that I intend to continue to explore, nurture, and see where it leads.
So, expect to hear more about my adventures with Special Olympics. In the meantime, I'm still on the job search, so please continue to pray as I seek God's direction for my life and my family!
