MY FRIEND WILLIAM

As we got off the bus at a home for mentally and physically challenged children in Copse, Jamaica, I didn’t expect to find an American football player. While the teenage choir and the other adult supervisors looked after and played with the children, I met a young man named William.

I’m not sure what William’s medical diagnosis was, but he looked like he probably had cerebral palsy. I had grabbed an American football before getting off the bus, so I tossed it gently to William, who dropped it.

Yet when I picked it up and put it into his hands, he slowly manipulated it until he had it just how he wanted it. Then, leaning back against a railing for balance, William tossed a perfect throw. For the next hour, we played catch—he threw, I caught. William laughed and laughed—and stole my
heart. On that day he had as much impact on me, I’m sure, as I did on him. He taught me that we are all needed as a part of Jesus’ body, the church (1 CORINTHIANS 12:20-25).

People often ignore other people who are different from themselves. However, it is the Williams of the world who teach us that happiness can come when we accept others and look at them with compassion. Is there a William in your world who needs you to be their friend?

To pray about . . .

Father, help us to see how much we need each other in our Christian walk. May we show Your love to others who are different. Give us an openness to learn from them. Amen.

WE NEED ONE ANOTHER IN ORDER TO BE
WHO GOD WANTS US TO BE.

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries