Chase Harler and His Gift to Blake Swanson

But what makes Chase amazing to me, and what makes Chase such a stellar example of human kindness is his willingness to embrace this young boy. Chase Harler in all his glory and record breaking athleticism is still just a boy himself- A high schooler, not yet an adult. Yet, he displayed more class and compassion than many of the adults I know when he welcomed this little boy with open arms onto "his" court. As a mother, I can only hope that I raise my five children, four of which are sons, to embrace others this way.

I believe that much of Chase's compassion and kindness is a credit to his parents, who likely instilled in him all of the right values in life. I imagine some of it comes from the stellar education and Christian guidance he is receiving at CCHS. I also believe that some of it just comes naturally to Chase- an all around nice kid.

God clearly has blessed Chase with a gift- the skill, knowledge and athleticism that makes him an incredible basketball player. It warms my heart to see Chase using his gift to touch a little boy who wasn't given the gift of mobility and athleticism, but instead, is confined to a wheelchair. I have no doubt that little Blake has so many gifts inside of him that he is bursting at the seams. My guess is Blake will touch just about everybody's life he meets in a different way than Chase has touched his. Chase has already said that "Blake is an inspiration to him."

As Chase grows into an adult and lives life, Blake's inspiration will take on many different forms and meanings to him. He can look back on his good deed, and feel a reciprocity from that little boy that he never expected or foresaw.

The greatest current athletes in the world are using their gifts to help others - I have seen videos of LeBron James taking time to welcome a crippled boy courtside at one of his games. Stephen Curry's philanthropy list is long and well known. It's impressive that at such a young age, Chase can be so impressionable to those supporting him and can rank with the likes of some big name athletes and their excellent character traits.

As a mother, a basketball coach and former player I am beyond proud of Chase for taking  the time to give a little of himself to brighten someone's day.  Kudos to Chase and all those who have encouraged Chase to share his gift with the world and use it for the betterment of mankind. God Bless to Blake whose many gifts will be displayed in his lifetime and "pay it forward" to others.

We all have gifts. May we all find them and use them to help others.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace..."
- 1 Peter 4:10

"We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us." ---Romans 12:6