Playground Slip-Up

He knows enough to know that he's being teased. It's just a simple game of ball in the school yard playground. He wants to play with the boys. He loves to play ball. He gives it his all, but it's just a laugh to the others.

Short of breath. Too slow, awkward, the last one to be picked if picked at all. No one wants him on their team. If they choose him, someone might think they like him, and that would be a playground sin.

That's okay. He's going to play anyway. He jumps right in as the game begins. "Over here, over here." He begs to have a turn. A slip up, and the ball rolls his way. Oh, it's his chance and he tries, but he's slow and he falls. Everyone laughs. Everyone laughs, but one person.

"Stop it," his friend screams. "Can't you see, he's hurt. His knees are bleeding. He just wanted to play ball." He helps him up, and together they walk to the bathroom to clean up his hands and knees. He's in the bathroom for a long time. His friend waits outside the door, making sure no one dares tease him anymore.

Some say that he should know his place in society, and it's not with the normal kids. Some say, he'll help himself when he realizes that if he doesn't play like the other kids then he's going to get teased. Some say, he needs to learn to stay away from harmful situations, which means, stay away from the other boys, don't speak, stay in the background.

He wants to play. He wants to be a part. He doesn't understand why others don't like him. There is no one that he doesn't like, except for the bullies. His heart is gentle. His hands are kind and those of a genuine friend. He doesn't know enough about himself to understand what is so different, but he knows enough to know that he is being teased.

I'm so thankful for his dear friend. They adore each other, and I'm so glad that God remembered two little boys with kindred hearts in need of one another. Thank you, dear heavenly Father, for remembering two broken hearted boys, and giving them the opportunity to enjoy an adoring friendship.