But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Ever since the first class I’ve taken my pup to, my boys are usually with me. They get drafted into helping, which they’ve come to enjoy. It started out as their job to approach the owner, asking to pet their dogs in puppy class. Who wouldn’t enjoy petting a puppy?
The next job they got was in a class that improved social skills. We had donuts while sitting around talking, and our dogs learned to relax calmly on the floor. Then, a bike was pulled out to make sure the dogs remained calm when someone was riding past them. Guess who would be the rider? Picture it now…boys with agility ramps. I could see the wheels turning. They knew better, but it did put ideas into their minds which I had to hear about on the way home. Needless to say, I had to put a quick end to some of the things they were coming up with. As far as classes go, now they were hooked! They couldn’t wait for the next one because they got donuts and were able to ride bikes. It couldn’t get much better for two boys! I started wondering if the classes were for them or the dogs. Maybe the dogs were just there for the boys’ enjoyment!
Today, the pup attended classes that prepare dogs for therapy work. The dogs were introduced to situations that you would find in a hospital or nursing home. My oldest son got to ride in a wheelchair, while the youngest pushed him. The youngest had control. It was an unusual dynamic that had me interested in how it would work out. Would this be payback time? Actually, the youngest was able to keep the urge to do who knows what in check! Then, they had to get into a yelling match because it could be something you might come across while volunteering. All I could think was what they might say! When the instructor started raising her voice, my pup could have cared less. When the boys did it, he had a bit of a shocked look on his face. If I would put to words what my pup was thinking, which of course I never do because that would just be crazy since dogs don’t think the way humans do…but hypothetically if I did, he would have been saying, “Ooh, you boys are in so much trouble. I can’t believe you are acting like that in front of all these people!”
I’ve learned so much in all the different classes we’ve taken. The class today really got me thinking about how therapeutic dogs are to people. I’m especially drawn to the benefits they can have for children who have a disability. These kids touch my heart. It isn’t because they are different. Aren’t we all in some way? It’s because I may have a way to make their lives just a little easier by simply sharing my pet.
When someone shows a kindness to my own children, it means the world to me. It makes me realize how our own thoughtfulness can help others. We need to invest in children in order to see a positive change in the world. We need to stop being uncomfortable and seeing weakness in those with a special need. Instead, we need to just open our eyes and see Christ’s strength that is resting upon them.
I read something I’d like to pass on: “God made us all with special needs. Some are simply more apparent than others.” Be a little kinder to everyone you see today. Be a little kinder to yourself also. Instead of seeing a weakness, see Christ’s strength.
