Kicks and Kindness

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Kicks and Kindness

by Chad Van De Griek

“Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about”—Ian Maclaren (Rev. John Watson).

I was at a soccer match on a Saturday night in Nashville. I was in the heart of the supporter’s section and the energy was absolutely electric! The supporters are the dedicated group of fans who spend the entire match standing, singing, cheering, chanting, and helping create such a memorable experience for everyone.

Before I continue, it’s important to set the stage. There are a few people in front of the supporter’s section that are leading the group in the songs, chants, and cheers throughout the match. On top of that, there were supporters that would walk up and down the aisles to relay communication from the leaders in the front to everyone throughout the section. It’s also important to reiterate that everyone in the supporter’s section seemed to be standing. Well…not everyone. I, obviously, was seated. My wheelchair was at the top of the section and I had gotten out of my chair, scooted down the stairs, and eventually got to the seats that my friends were sitting in.

With all of this in mind, let’s get back to the story. The match was past the halfway mark and it is at this point in the night where our adventure takes a comedic turn. One of the supporters that was walking the aisles began making his way near me. He reaches out his hand and I assumed that he was wanting a random high-five. However, as we high-fived, he quickly grabbed my hand and began to pull me up to my feet to get me standing with everyone else! I was completely caught off guard by this! “No, no, no! I can’t stand!” My initial panic and fear quickly turned to laughter as he gently guided me back to my seat. As one could imagine, he began to apologize profusely. I reassured him that everything was okay and that I found the situation to be incredibly funny! I couldn’t help but smile as I sat in my seat and continued to watch the match. It was such a funny moment that I am sure neither of us will forget for a long while. And, to be clear, I’m not mad, or even slightly frustrated with the supporter that wanted to see me standing. I know that he meant no harm! My chair was nowhere near me, so there was no way for him to know about my disability. He was just trying to help me have a fun and memorable time, and he certainly did that! As I think back on that interaction on that

Saturday night, it makes me smile. But it also makes me think. The thought that someone could’ve looked at me and not known that I was disabled is incredibly intriguing to me! As I meditated on this idea, the quote that I emphasized back at the beginning popped into my head. The truth is that we’re all fighting battles that most people will never get to see. We never truly know how much pain someone is in or how much effort it took to get out of bed that morning. And just like me sitting at the soccer match, some people don’t look like the fight that they’ve been in or are presently going through. That is why we should always do our best to be kind and be gracious to those around us. I believe that it is our kindness and our reflection of Christ’s love that truly makes an impact on people.

About The Author

Chad Van De Griek lives in Nashville, TN! He loves Jesus, hockey (Go Preds), and is a big Bible nerd. Chad was born with Cerebral Palsy and is very passionate about using his writing as a way to show God’s love to everyone! You can find more of his writing at chadvandegriek.wordpress.com.