PRINCIPLES AND VALUES
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us • (Ephesians 5:2).
Judy and Dick were left in shock when the doctors informed them that their son was born with cerebral palsy. This meant that he would never be able to speak or walk. As an option, the doctors advised them to leave him in a supporting center since he would never recover. However, these parents took their son home and decided to devote themselves to his care and education. Motionless and silent, the child shared family life for twelve years until—with the help of a computer—he was able to communicate through words. Having been admitted in a public school in Boston, one day, he expressed the wish to participate in a race to raise funds for an injured classmate. Without thinking it twice, his father pushed his wheelchair for an 8-kilometer journey. It was during this competition that Rick felt his disability disappear for the very first time.
Encouraged by this discovery, Rick trained to participate in other more difficult competitions, each of which presented both a challenge and a motivation to continue. Since then, both Rick and his father have participated in more than one thousand events, including marathons, biathlons, and the most demanding: Ironman competitions. While the father ran, swam or rode the bike, the son was carried from one place to another in his arms, on a chair or pulled in a raft. Thanks to his father’s love and dedication, Rick was able to transcend his own limitations, achieving, in addition, an academic degree in Special Education at the University of Boston.
Heaven was also in shock when mankind was left paralyzed and without the strength and courage to resist sin. As an option, God could have abandoned man since it would be difficult for him to recover. Instead, God decided to devote Himself to man’s care and redemption. The Savior of the world offered His life so that man could surpass his limitations and reach the highest level of perfection. This principle of dedication is the basis of the law of God and the essence of Christianity as a whole.
Thanks to God’s love and dedication, you can know that you are not alone in the race of your life. Because «the eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms» (Deut. 33:27), we invite you to trust His everlasting companionship. But remember something important: Rick Hoyt began to feel free only when he tried to help an injured colleague. That charity race was the beginning of a new life of success and happiness, all because he decided to support and show compassion toward a disabled fellowman. You can do the same, too!
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Ricardo Vela & Alejandra Zavala
