I have been around disability in one form or the other for most of my adult life.  These days I find myself in a job that serves people with disabilities!  I cannot say it is an easy job, but I can say it is rewarding.  Some days are more difficult than others.  Some days other people are not very kind towards people with special needs.  And then some days I can only sit back and smile because I am simply amazed at what I learn from experiences with very special people.

Recently I took a client to a park for some sunshine and exercise.  This particular individual is older than most kids on the playground, but for some reason, it is one of his joys to swing, slide and run around with young kids.  Because I am not at liberty to reveal names of the folks I serve, I will call him "Sammy".  As we pulled up to the playground area and got out of the car, Sammy hit the ground at a dead run, yelling at the top of his voice all the way to the swings.  Many of the kids were a little startled and stopped to stare a bit at this bigger "kid" who was very boisterous and loud.  Some hid behind their parent or playground equipment!  But Sammy laughed and went as high on the swing as his legs would pump, inviting me to join him in the swing beside him.  So there we were, swinging and laughing, loudly and freely, much to the amazement of many who were just standing with a look of unbelief!  

Finally, some of the kids began to warm up to the idea.  Sammy's joy seemed to be a bit contagious as one or two moved a little closer.  Sammy was not a bit shy about saying hello and ran to climb the ladder to the third level slide where there was a large platform and 3 different slides to choose from.  It was hard for Sammy to decide, so he stood at the top motioning for other kids who would eventually come up the ladder, hop onto their slide choice and disappear.  After enjoying the others shoot off down the tubes, Sammy picked one and went down with a dramatic yell and laugh, causing more stares from the other kids and parents alike!  

As I watched Sammy, a part of me chuckled at his pure and naive joy.  The other part of me wondered about Sammy's future and my heart began to swell with compassion and questions as to why God allows such vast differences in individuals.  I also couldn't help but wonder what Sammy's life would be like if he didn't have the challenges he had.

Then Sammy scooted up to another little boy and with a big grin, tagged him on the shoulder shouting, "You're it!"  The little boy started chasing Sammy and around and around they went gathering several other kids along the way who also ran as fast as they could to catch the big fun guy!  After quite awhile of tag mayhem, I asked Sammy if he was ready for something to drink and maybe some lunch.  Sammy began telling each youngster goodbye and offered high-5's to the little boy who had been brave enough to begin playing with him.  The little boy's mom walked over and gave Sammy a hug and several other kids continued to run up to do the same.  Once again my heart grew inside my chest and I suddenly was satisfied that Sammy was exactly who God wanted him to be.  As we walked to the car, Sammy was asking to stop at the gas station for a carton of milk and wanted to go home to make oatmeal for lunch.  This ole' girl laughed (out loud), shook her head, and admired that Sammy was much more adjusted with his life than I may ever be.  How refreshing!  What a lesson.