What Matters Most?

I was running through some old papers and this one stood out. I wonder if you will slow down or change course?

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A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally challenged, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back….every one of them One girl with Down’s Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, “this will make it better.” Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who where there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down we know, that they know, the one thing that matters most in life. What matters in life is more than winning for ourselves, what matters in life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

“A candle loses nothing by lighting another.” ~ Author Unknown