Sitting in my junior year religion class I listened to a presentation about a home for abused children located in St. Louis, Missouri. We were told about “Special Friends,” a project to get kids there to open up and help them realize that there are people who care. Those who signed up would go every Wednesday for a year and hang out with their assigned friend(s) for two hours. I love kids—they’re so energetic and fun to be around—so I signed up.
The first time I went to the program I was surprised. I was unprepared for the roomful of shy, quiet, and uncertain faces. I was assigned to be a friend to three boys. The first few weeks I went, the kids in the program were very quiet and many were angry, particularly with God.
By the second month they began to open up and realize that what had happened to them wasn’t God’s fault. Slowly the shyness and quietness began to melt away. They began sharing secrets, telling me stories, calling out my name when I walked in, hugging me goodbye, and even telling me they loved me and were thankful I came.
As the end of the year drew closer, my three special friends could tell that I was sad. When they asked me why, I told them that it was because my time with them was almost over. They responded that regardless of how much time would pass, we would always be friends because Jesus willed it. I didn’t want to leave. Being with them was nothing but pure happiness. Each time I walked into that room to be with the kids, I felt like I had walked into the presence of God.
This experience taught me that service isn’t just about helping those around you, but also helping yourself. Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden once said, “You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” I totally agree; I have come to understand that in service you find yourself, your faith, and God himself.
—Grace B.
Who are your friends? What brought you together? What keeps your friendship alive? Think about the people Jesus may be calling you to befriend, even if they are different from you. How can new friendships with these people enrich the friendships you already have?
We will encounter many people distant from God, especially when we serve. How might you respond when someone expresses their anger or disappointment toward God or the Church?