We'll miss him.
But, that's the price of success.!!
In this ministry, many times, SUCCESS separates us from our passengers.
But, what a sweet separation it is!
One of our volunteer drivers just called me with the news; "He said he won't be needing us anymore. He got a job!!!! (at a local fast food place)."
"Great!" I said. "Thanks for letting me know!"
We've been taking him to Voc Rehab for a long time. He came close to getting a job once before, but it didn't work out. He's a great guy with a wonderful personality, but after the accident he's not as useful to potential employers as he once was. He was disappointed, but continued to go to Rehab.
So, I'm going "Hallelujah!"
Then it dawns on me . . . ."Hey, wait a minute!"
I call the driver back and ask, "How come he has a job, but he won't be needing us anymore. Won't he need a ride to work?"
The driver responds, "Well, here's what he said . . . 'My job is close to where I live, so I can walk and you can give my place to somebody else."
That's the way it is with this guy, he's always thinking about others before himself. As a matter of fact, there's a nobility about him that I have seen in few others.
By watching him, and others like him, I have learned that many a noble heart beats strongly in many a frail body.
He's not really very impressive.
As a matter of fact, in the months to come, some folks might see him walking down the street, kind of shuffling along, not too well dressed, and think, "What a shame. If he would just try harder he could do so much better."
If only they knew, "The Rest of the Story!"
The place where he will be working is about a mile from where he lives.
That one mile to you and me might as well be five miles to him.
You see . . he has no feeling in his feet.
He has to "tell" his feet what to do or he will trip over himself.
He has to "think about" every step before he takes it.
And, that's not to mention the problems with his hip.
That's why he's been in Voc Rehab.
That's the way the accident left him.
He wants to try this own his own. He loves to be self-sufficient, and that's his decision to make. But, we'll be close by, just in case. To us, he hasn't been a "client" or a "case" for a long time. He's become a friend!
His Christmas will be hopeful.
His Christmas may be plain.
But, his Christmas will be joyful.
He's on the road, again!!
And from the depths of our hearts, we all wish him a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
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I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- (Psalm 121:1-3a NIV)
