Thank You

"He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to his disciples, saying,'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me...This cup is the new covenant between God and his people - an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.'" Luke 22:19-20

It was Saturday morning, September 11, 2010. Troy was working the weekend. The post was quiet and empty. Just a few patients to see and then he would be on his way home to be with his wife and kids. So you can imagine how strange it was to be in a line of traffic leaving the post. Each car ahead was slowly inching it's way through the Ft. Lewis exit toward the highway. But as he got closer, a beautiful sight came into view. The cars were backing up with active duty American soldiers in uniform, all heading out from work. Huge American flags, at least a dozen, were flown through the sky as a group of people from a nearby church desired to express a simple "thank you" for their service. As Troy's turn came up, he put down his window and tearfully accepted the appreciation. What an honor. What a humbling experience.

I wonder how many times we stop to say thank you to our Savior? I must admit that I spend a lot of time requesting things and expecting big answers to my prayers. But I don't take the time to express my thanksgiving nearly as often as I am indebted to do so.

As I watched this video, my heart broke with the simple fact that I just don't get it. I cannot and probably won't ever fully comprehend what happened that day when Jesus died. Although I hope and pray we never forget what happened on September 11 and I believe we should always show our appreciation to our American soldiers, I do, however, beg God to never let us forget what He did for us on Calvary. I may not ever understand it completely or fully feel what those watching felt that day, but I can say thank you! I pray my lack of understanding or comprehension will never stop me from appreciating the most beautiful grace ever shown in all of eternity.

Something Came From Nothing

Today day was a nothing day. My husband was scheduled to work on this Labor Day, we had nothing on our calendar and outside the skies were cloudy and the temps were cool. My goal was to make it to rest time and get cozy with a hot cup of coffee and over sized chair. But midway through the day, things began to change. Troy was home by lunch, the fall, cool winds picked up a bit outside and we were faced with a choice. Do we put the kids down for a nap or take a family walk?

That's when the excuses began: It was too late to start out for a walk. The kids were up late the night before so they needed their rest. They were grumpy and didn't deserve to go have fun...they needed to rest. But something in me began to gather tennis shoes and jackets. The next thing I knew we were headed out not only for a walk but to the park with the kite in hand.

And I am so thankful we did! Our nothing day became one of those favorite days...the kind of days that stick in your memory for years to come...the kind of day you remember as your favorite during your childhood. No, it wasn't anything special. We didn't break a world record. The news channels were not there to report a story. But something came from nothing.

It was cozy and safe. It was family bonding time. There were smiles and giggles, running and jumping. The kite flew high. The shoes came off and bare feel ran wild in cold grass. A cool breeze blew and the fall trees colorfully decorated the dull, grey skies. Something came from nothing!

This is a beautiful example of how God works in our lives. He takes a most ordinary and plain day and turns it into a burst of joy. And usually, the something may not look like much on the surface but in our hearts, we know that God has done something to our nothing kind of day!

So be prepared, especially in those nothing kind of moments. For what you think is mundane and routine, God has in mind something big and extraordinary. But remember, it may not be obvious to others. It may not capture the world's attention. But it's something. Something to ponder. Something to hold dear to your heart. Something for which to be thankful. Something to draw you closer to Him. God specializes in drawing something out of nothing!