Can you recall those moments when you were completely taken off guard and totally surprised? Well, I experienced one of those moments that I will never forget!
My oldest son and daughter in law made arrangements for a family Christmas photo session with my brother taking the pictures. Steven and Kristen had set it all up to be at a park as our Christmas gift. It was great because everyone but one person was there. I was a bit sad because I knew our youngest son was stationed in Ft. Campbell, Ky and would not be in the picture. My brother assured me, "We can photoshop him in the picture later" as we walked to the location where he positioned us. We were almost done and my brother began to complain about the lighting and asked me to take a look behind me where the sun was shining through the trees so I could understand and adjust myself for a better picture. As I turned, to my surprise, there was a handsome soldier, my son, Evan! I screamed, smiled and cried all at the same time.
What a powerful statement of love from all of my children. A picture that will never leave my mind and is set in my heart forever.
"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11
Thank you God for the gift of 'surprise' moments.
It's a wonderful declaration of Your desire to be even more a part of all we are as your children.
Today, as we begin our routine in life, let's pray for those unique opportunities and become even more aware of those "Wow, that was a surprise" encounters!
The military is a new world for our family since our youngest son is now in the Army. This is the first time we will spend Christmas without him at our home. I know that we are just one of many people who experience this reality but for me it's sorbing to think of him away from our family traditions. I find myself, questioning every past family experience that he had with us and wonder if those memories will carry him through the tough times in the future. I pray that even the difficult times we had as we raised him, will fade away but the joyful memories are kept close.
Occasionally this question will run through my mind, "Does he really know how very much he is loved and missed?" With God's help, I have hope that maybe through my efforts and daily prayers, he does. Truly my expressions of love are limited but God's love can give us all great value and purpose.
Today, let us take up the challenge and pray for doors of opportunity to open wide so we can and will express to others how much they really matter. Let us speak encouragement and tell them that even though there may be some distance, hurtful situations or disappointments from the past, they are loved!
Let's go the distance!
When I see a broken fence, I want to immediately try to figure out 'How did this happen?'
What was the story behind those broken pieces? Did someone lose control and their vehicle ran into it? Was there any injuries?
Naturally, I will never know but the evidence was clear, something went terrible wrong.
What a powerful image this is because I can see how the past hurts and broken dreams in my life are just like that broken fence. As I ponder the reality that even though the fence line is broken, it is partially up so the impression could be that all is well. In truth, it is not effective in keeping things safe by not allowing easy access. So the question can be asked, "What has easy access to my mind and heart?" Can pride or discouragement gain a certain accessibly to my life?
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22
Mending those broken areas really begins with forgiveness. It is one of the ways that I can begin to allow for healing for those broken dreams and bring security to my life. Yes, it can be messy and hard work but the end results can be beyond my expectation.
Let's grab the tool of forgiveness and start to take some steps toward repair on our life's journey!
