Love Speaks

One regular Sunday morning run day, I set out with my group of running buddies and one new runner.  I introduced myself and she did too and we were going to walk with the rest of the group because they had done their long run Saturday and wanted to walk.  My new friend and I did not run on Saturday so we decided to take off and get some miles and meet back at Starbucks with the rest of our group for coffee after our run.  Then we all split up and go to church.

My new friend and I had a blast that day and it seemed we had known each other for years.  We talked about everything and nothing at all.  It was an amazing day with a great run and even better company.  We exchanged numbers and the rest is what they say "history".  We are best buds now and we rapidly discovered that God brought us together and the reason had nothing to do with running.  I have learned so much from her and her family.  They inspire me to be the best me that I can be.  The most important lessons I have learned from them come directly from her oldest son and her care for him.

You see, her son is differently abled.  His touch is like the touch of an angel.  When he takes my hand he has the most gentle touch I have ever felt.  He and I rapidly grew to like each other.  I could tell by his excitement when I came in the door.  He would wave and come out of his room when I came over to visit.  We listened to music together and talked about the sky and the water in the pool, and the warmth of the sun.  We swam together, enjoyed the fountain together, arranged the pool floats together.  Oh so rapidly, our like for one another grew into love.  More quickly than some forms of love, this love knew no boundaries.  It spoke no words.  It manifested in the form of a kiss on the cheek from my friend's son when I was about to leave.  He didn't say a word, just took my hand and leaned down to kiss me on the cheek.  I will never forget that moment as long as there is breath in me.  He didn't tell me he loved me, he showed me.  You see, my friend's son is nonverbal.  That means he can't speak.  He doesn't have to speak.  His actions speak for him.  Love speaks.  He didn't need to talk to get along in this world.  God saw fit that my buddy could have a fantastic quality of life without the ability to speak and without the ability to do other things.  Wow!  I feel blessed to have a front row seat to see what God is doing in this young man's life.  He has already done great things in my life just by having the privilege to be friends with him.

I watch his mom and dad care for him, have good days and frustrating days, need a break and be able to continue.  I see their love for their son and I see their fear from the prospect of growing old and having an eternal toddler to take care of as their bodies age.  I know God chose these special people to be super parents.  They wouldn't say they were super parents, but I do.  God does.  We are all special people but God chooses extra special folks to do extra special work.  I don't fear for their future because I have faith God will give them an extra measure of youthfulness to care for their son as he ages.

I wish you could meet him.  He has the voice of an angel.  It isn't often you get to hear what someone says through only their eyes and touch.  I love to talk to him every chance I get.  It fills my soul.

May we all see love speak today and every day.

Thanks for reading my blog.  I hope you all have the best day ever!
Jennifer