A few weeks ago, at the Cadet’s regional Pinewood Derby, a kid won his first trophy. Not a participation certificate, not an “everyone that shows up gets something” award. A legit, he put in the work and was rewarded for his effort trophy. He was so proud, and his family was excited for him. While, yes Restore overall took home 6 of the 8 available trophies, this one stands out because he is one of our kids that might have a harder time fitting in.

Our Cadets and GEMS leaders do an amazing job of welcoming in kids that might be a little different, kids that might need a little extra patience, but like all kids (and adults) we recognize that they need to be introduced to the saving grace of Jesus. I hope you know the experience of someone taking a little extra time for you. I hope you have seen someone who had every right to be impatient with you take a breath and sit with you anyway.

The choice these leaders make to love these kids well is the same grace Jesus shows all of us. We don’t deserve any of it, in fact most of us deserve the exact opposite. Still John 1:14-17 says this,

“14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.15 (John [the Baptist] bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”)16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

We all have moments in our lives when we need more grace than we thought. We all have moments where we need to show someone else more grace than they deserve. Let us be the people who are known for showing patience and grace to people, even those who may not be deserving. Let us be the ones who are filled with Christ’s love. Let us be the ones who celebrate some kid getting his first trophy because he felt safe enough to try.