In a Stable Still

A Volunteer’s Perspective – by Don SchieszMatthew 25:40 Jesus said, “I assure you, in as much as you have done it to one of the least of mine, you have done it to me. . . .”Turning into Coffee Creek Riding Center from Broadway, I begin to anticipate the day ahead. Quickly parking my car, I head for the barn. For today, I have been assigned to “Shorty.” We get our horses from the pasture and begin the grooming and tacking process. With the arrival of each volunteer; snippets of conversation and laughter fill the air, creating a spirit of camaraderie.Soon the bus arrives. The students unload, are fitted with helmets in preparation for their therapeutic riding session, and team assignments are made. The first student for the day assigned to our team is new to the program, physically challenged, and confined to a wheelchair. For this first session her parents accompany her.As she is brought out in her wheelchair to meet her horse, fear can be seen in her eyes. She resists and there are tears. The huge animal is frightening! But her horse Shorty knows she is special as he drops his head so she can easily reach out to touch and pet him. In spite of some tears, she is placed on the horse’s back. Then as the gentle animal starts slowly moving, the soothing rhythm begins its calming effect. The child relaxes, then she smiles. The parents watch nervously as their dear child is in the hands of others and doing something new. Pride soon shows on their faces and tears well in their eyes as they realize their child is doing something special. The child – confined to a wheelchair – has never walked or run. But the horse becomes her freedom. As the riding continues and the therapeutic program for the day progresses, her eyes light up and soon she is laughing. She feels important. Nobody is staring, pointing or laughing at her. She feels very able instead of disabled. As she rides by her parents, she waves and shouts, “See me!” Dad proudly snaps her picture. The day evaporates. Eight children with either mental or physical challenges – or both – have ridden today, and the next class is arriving, followed by one more. There will be that many tomorrow and the next days.In His infinite plan, God placed his Son Jesus in a stable that first Christmas morning. He can still be found in a stable today, showing His love to special children through volunteers.