Tackling Kindness

 Kyle #12 and friend Jake--2005

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  Colossians 3:12

As Ricky crossed home plate, he raised his hands in the air and yelled, "I knew it!  Believe in yourself!"  Over and over again he exclaimed "Believe in yourself!"

There are all sorts of different people around this world...me different beyond most.  Ha!  We teach our kids to be accepting, compassionate, and kind to others who are different than they are, but you're never sure if they've learned the lesson until you have a chance to observe them in action.  Last night was one of those times.

Kyle has a special needs kid on his new baseball team this season.  We'll call him "Ricky" for the sake of this blog.  What a happy young man he is, and I've caught glimpses of my son helping him join in the fun of playing ball.  During batting practice last night, with great pleasure, Ricky started hitting the ball pretty proficiently.  On his last hit, he was to run the bases.  He swung the bat, hit the ball and it went flying out to the outfield.  Kyle, seeing his success, ran from his position on short stop, and TACKLED the outfielder who ran up on Ricky's ball.  There was no way that ball was getting thrown to the infield for an out.  Ricky ran from first base, to second base, and so on.  HOME RUN!

Though Ricky hit the ball, and he hit it in an awesome fashion, Kyle did a pretty neat thing too, in my opinion.  He helped this young man experience a bit of success.  For me, it is a beautiful picture of being clothed with kindness, compassion, and though he tackled another player (a close friend who knew the score), even that was a sign of gentleness for Ricky.   A little reflection of our great big God.  Oh how sweet!

Lord, how wonderful it is to see glimpses of you living in our children.  Loving others more than themselves is sometimes a struggle, as it is even with me.  My children are your chosen people, holy and dearly loved, and I ask that you help them to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Every day may they choose to put others ahead of themselves.  Kindness, compassion, and gentleness are beautiful examples of their Savior.  Lord, fill our children with more of you!