While Peg was at Rehab with me, we went a few places, so Peg could get used to getting me in and out of a vehicle. One place was Temple Square to see the Christmas lights, before they were removed. While there I noticed little kids starring at me as they passed by. I didn't like it at all. I mean, I was already self-conscious of how I looked, so as they starred I stuck my tongue out at them. This went on for a while, until Peggy noticed. She was upset, got down to my level (nose-to-nose) and very firmly said, "Knock your crap off! Kids are just curious and you may be the first disabled person they've ever seen. Meaning, YOU could be the first impression they get of someone who's disabled. What you're doing could scare them and make them afraid of disabled people. Do you want that?" After that talk I stopped sticking my tongue out at any one.
What Peg said took a while to sink in, but it finally did (thick-headed syndrome). But because of this talk I am a changed person. Now children are my top priority and I hope they see Jesus in me.
When I see a child, I go out of my way to make sure I talk to them (after all I am at their level), and I answer any questions they might have. For instance: "Where's your leg?"
"In heaven waiting for me, so when I get there I'll have two legs and I'll be dancing on the streets of gold. When you see me there will you dance with me?"
I believe part of my mission field is the children I come in contact with daily. What a wonderful mission field!
"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the One who sent me."
Mark 9:37
I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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