Every year thousands of young athletes gather for the Special Olympics. The fanfare and excitement are as grand as the regular Olympics. These young athletes are prepared and ready to do their best. They have trained and want to win, “really win”
In one last race, five handicapped finalists have gathered at the starting line. Their hearts are pounding, their adrenaline level is high, each wants to win. The starter gun is fired, off they go, running with all their heart, The crowd is on their feet shouting and cheering.
Then one runner stumbles and falls flat. He struggles but can’t get up. A moan and hush fall over the entire crowd. Suddenly, another runner stops and goes back to help the fallen runner back up. The two of them finish the race together.
We all need to be able to finish the race, whatever the race may be. But maybe we fall somewhere along the way. We didn’t plan to fall or want to fall, but we did. We wanted to win, to finish the race and win. Someone, somewhere, needs you to stop running your race for a while, go back, help them up and help them up and help them finish their race. By doing so each person will win. Now that’s ‘really winning.”