I Noticed Him and He Made a Difference

On Sunday, I had a long-ago, precious memory of a man who attended our church in Shawnee, OK. What I remembered about him was that he was always in an electric wheelchair accompanied by his devoted mother. I remembered he was a “beamer”. You know — a sunbeam that lit up the room. His quick wit made everyone laugh. We were magnetically drawn to him because he exuded a peace beyond description — especially considering his circumstances. What stirred me most in this memory was that his hands were strapped to the arms of the wheelchair where he could use the controls to maneuver it. And, the most vivid remembrance I have of him was when we would sing, his eyes would close and he would lift his hands as much as he could, even though they were strapped down.

That memory comes from well over 40+ years ago. I noticed him and his joy and his peace and his humor and raising those hands from the wrist up. With what he had – he used it all. Amazingly, I remembered his name so I googled him – Larry Williams, Shawnee, OK. His obituary came up with his picture. He was 60 when he passed on. “Larry became a quadriplegic when he was 19 from an auto accident but still had high spirits and always could make people laugh. We know he is walking in heaven. Larry touched many lives in his lifetime.” So what I remembered about him, was true all his life.

I also remembered when the pastor asked people to raise their hands in worship to God, many people wouldn’t, but Larry always did what he could – he raised his hands. When people were urged to sing with all their hearts – many wouldn’t, but Larry did. He used what he had.

I called a friend who attended that church with us. I asked if he remembered Larry. He replied: “Oh, yes. He was in the same nursing home as my mom. Everyone adored him. He was friendly to everyone and always had a kind word to say to all. Why am I elaborating about a man from so many years ago and who is no longer living on this side of heaven? Because he made a difference. He made such an impression on me that here I am 40+ years later, remembering the strong and mighty man that he was. Oh, no – I’m not talking about his physical abilities because those were very few. But, I am talking about a man that rose up higher and spoke louder and appreciated life greater than anyone I think I have ever known. He took what he had and made a difference.

I appreciate the quote: “Who you are is God’s gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift back to God!” I think that’s what Larry did and that’s what I am determined to do, too. If Larry could make a difference in this world from where he sat – then with my two good legs and arms and hands and a voice, I can make a difference too. I can spread the Good News in my actions, in what I say and what I do. I can “preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words”. (Thanks, St. Francis, for that quote.) Would you consider what you could do to make a difference to those in your corner of the world, too?

I want to be noticed as a joy, peace and hope pusher like Larry. I want to be noticed and remembered for what I had been given that made a difference in this world. I know I can because if Larry could – so can I! And, so can you!