Special Needs Kids

        I have the privilege of working with special needs children on Wednesday evenings at a therapeutic riding center.  Basically we give handicapped children horse riding lessons. And through that it helps them work through some of their issues.  Whether it is physical or mental disabilities. Before I worked with these children, I never knew how to interact with children with special needs. I knew I needed to treat them "normal," but I still felt weird doing anything, because I thought that everything I would do would be wrong.  I also thought when I first decided to volunteer that it would be awkward and I wouldn't want to do it each week but I knew for some reason that I needed to do it.  The first time I worked with one of the children I was really nervous.  I wasn't sure what to do.  Then about half way through the lesson something happened and it was just natural and felt good to work with them.  I noticed something that day.  That is that if I just love these kids and invest in them that is the best thing I can do.  So, that is what I am trying to do.
        A funny thing happened after I worked with these children for a little bit of time.  I started looking forward to every week.  I was being ministered to by these kids.  I thought I was there to help them and I was.  But they do so much more for me than I can ever do for them. 
        If you have ever been around a special needs child at all, you see an unbeleivable spirit in each and everyone one of them.  They have such joy in spite of their trials.  And it just seems that none of them are ever beat.  They will keep trying no matter how hard it is for them, and they will be smiling the whole way.  What an inspiration they are!  I am so thankful to be able to work with these kids and see the light and hope and joy of Christ in them.  So, if you ever need some inspiration, spend a little time with some special needs children.