REFLECTIONS

Game Days

Game days were particularly difficult for Billy; but all game days were important to him. They were important enough for him to strap on his leg brace to support its diseased bones and charge out to give the opposition all he had. Doctors believed he would someday lose his ability to walk. Billy shared none of those thoughts. Lameness may have slowed his pace, but it heightened his determination to live a normal life—to be one of the guys.

 Billy’s mind moved almost as slowly as his legs. Learning often took him hours longer than his friends but learning challenges did not dampen his resolve to make a difference in the world around him. He had a life to live and a purpose to serve. Learning challenges only conditioned his will to persevere, and his desire to help others overcome their physical and mental handicaps to pursue meaningful lives. But with each success a new obstacle to conquer seemed to follow. 

His eyesight was never strong, but no one expected disease to take his sight. But when it did Billy tackled the challenge with his proven courage. He learned to read with his fingers and to move about his residence without assistance. Independent living became just another game day obstacle for Billy to master. He did. 

Through his struggles his faith grew and strengthened. He chose his church as the place to set an encouraging example for young people. Conditions slowed him down, but whatever the test, Billy Fleming rose above it. Each day was just another game day for him even when cancer reared its ugly head.

He had watched his dad suffer through the disease yet rise to set an example for facing another game day. So, when the wicked disease entered Billy’s body, he was ready. He was a child of God, and God never presents a game day challenge without providing the strength to face it.

Today Billy sits at the feet of God; and now the scene is set for you and me. “In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus said. And while some days are easier to live than others, each day presents its challenges. But it’s not a winning record that defines the life we live. God used the way Billy played the game to shape the world.

… thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV)

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org.

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