“God is Nigh”

 “Greater love has no one than this, that they lay down their life for their friends." ~ John 15:13

Today will end too soon, a welcome pause to another holiday. As evening casts her dusky shadow, when the wind becomes quiet and peaceful, the time for joyful reflection will arrive. Every day, rain or shine, blizzard or heat, active-duty volunteers stand at attention near the flagpole at the WWII Memorial not far from the White House.

Sharply clad in a WWI Army uniform, he wore the unique headgear of the Army’s 93^rd Infantry Division who were assigned to the blue-helmeted French army in the European theatre. With a polished bugle tucked under his arm, he reverently faced the memorial and silently waited.

Promptly at 5 p.m., he snapped the bugle to his lips and played the mournful, bugle tune “Taps.” Everything in our Nation’s Capital seemed to go quiet for a minute.

Before walking away, he respectfully saluted “Old Glory.

Recognized throughout America, the minute of “Taps” crosses all racial, religious, societal, and gender boundaries. It simply represents the character of an American GI: profound in their selflessness, strength and dedication to the ideals of freedom.

There are no "official" words to “Taps,” but the most popular lyrics are as follows:

“Day is done, gone the sun,

From the hills, from the lake, from the skies.

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh (near).”

Both eloquent and haunting, “Taps” originally began during the Civil War that called soldiers to rest from their efforts and extinguish all lights. The music of its 24 notes became the Army’s official bugle call after the war but was not given the name “Taps” until 1874.

It was played for the first time at the military funeral for a Union cannoneer killed in action. The commanding officer decided the bugle call would be safer than the usual firing of three rifle volleys over the soldier’s grave, a move which could confuse the nearby enemy as an attack. Since then, “Taps” has become part of U.S. military funerals to honor for those who wore our nation’s uniform.

“Taps” is played to honor both the living and dead military community. Veterans Day salutes all who have served; Memorial Day honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

But we should remember them in our prayers and gratitude EVERY day. Every new day presents an opportunity to give thanks for those Americans who’ve given part of themselves to serve our nation. Every day offers another chance to remember the great responsibility of defending our homeland that they accepted. Every day reminds us that service to our country is not just a sacrifice made by the soldier, marine, sailor, pilot, or guard - but of his or her entire family.

God bless you all.

Gracious Lord, today we pray for those who serve and have served our military for the cause of freedom. May their sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of Your Son, Jesus. Bless the families of our troops and fill them with Your strength and peace. Amen

Never Alone

 “So, after you’ve suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you." ~ 1 Peter 5:10

To Naomi, having experienced the pain and trauma of a third emergency C-section, every day seemed like a blessing and every single moment of his life was filled with love and joy. Joseph was a tiny, snuggly infant with a beautiful smile and a lovable disposition. But nothing could prepare her for the day that lay ahead.

Mom and son spent a lovely day together alone. When she placed him in his crib, he looked peaceful as he drifted off into slumberland. Later, when she attempted to wake the child, Joseph showed no signs of life and was limp when the Mom of three picked him up.

Fear raced through her body with a force that took her breath away. Call 911, stay in control, and begin CPR, she prompted herself. The paramedics arrived and immediately transported them with the kind of speed that let everyone know the siren wasn't a polite request to move.

The ER was a cacophony of coughing, hacking, whispering, and wailing sounds. The baby was whisked away and now she waited in the lobby that provided little comfort. Naomi stared down at her hands, twisting and knotting them as if doing so would hold back the turmoil inside her.

When the ER doctor approached her with downcast eyes and a well-practiced voice, she knew that her greatest motherly fear had become a reality. Little Joey was gone – they’d done everything humanly possible.

Naomi sat, frozen, thinking of all the things little Joey would never get the chance to do. Someday she’d no longer fear today’s events. But for now, she’d let herself grieve for as long as it took. Her pain stood witness to the loving bond that will survive his passing.

A woman from the other side of the room approached. “Excuse me,” she said gently. “It appeared that you might’ve just heard some sad news. I saw the cross you wear and wondered if you might be a Christian. If you are… I just wanted to remind you that God never gives us more than we can manage.”

Naomi was taken aback. “Thank you, that’s so kind of you” she began in a polite voice. “Actually, I believe the opposite is true: God does give us more than we can handle. As a result, we stop relying on ourselves and learn to rely on the One who raises the dead. He gives us more than we can handle by ourselves so we will depend more on Him.”

“It’s been a tragic day for my family. Our son will be sorely missed. He is with our Lord now and His grace will be sufficient for us. Would like to pray with me?”

“Father God, thank you the for people you place on our paths to console and encourage us in our times of need. Help us shift our focus from our own abilities, to lean on You with all our hearts and infinite resources. Amen” ~ Naomi

The Gift of Birth

“May the Lord bless you, protect you, and bring you peace.” ~ Number 6:24-26

Matt slipped quietly inside the hospital chapel, something he wouldn’t have done 8 years ago when their first child was born. “Thanks God, for Bradley,” spilled from his mouth. Their third child, Bradley, entered the world less than an hour ago.

He sat before the ecumenical alter remembering with some lingering shame, how much he’d changed in the decade since their first baby was born. Hell, he didn’t even know the hospital had a chapel back then.

Faith for Matt was an afterthought – he was more focused on career, travel, and worldly things.

Matt was lost, he just didn’t realize it back then. His first clue came from an unusual source. When he gazed down at Taylor, his firstborn, he saw a gift from God. The evidence grew exponentially with the arrival of their middle child that they brought sacred responsibilities to love and nurture.

But it’d been an uneven journey. Sometimes God seemed close, other times almost nonexistent. Eventually, Matt discovered it wasn’t God who moved but him. Still, that didn’t always help.

Bradley, baby number three, proved there was no doubt. Heaven made him. From the curve of his small eyebrows to the crazy mass of brown curls and all the way to his plump, tiny toes. Those perfectly formed lips, soft cheeks, and curious eyes came directly from Above and Heaven came with him.

He felt newborn energy when Bradley grasped his finger. Every breath, smell, and piece of him was by Grand design; perfect engineering from God to learn, work, create, and love.

“Thank you, Bradley,” he prayed, “for showing me a little bit of Heaven. And thank You, Heavenly Father, for bringing this angel into our lives. He stirs faith in my soul once more and warms me with Your love for us. I know he, too, will be a blessing to this world.”

Then Matt wiped away grateful tears as he left the hospital chapel.

It’s paradoxical. Without words, the tiniest infant can speak the most powerful testimony. There is a God. He loves us. He made you. And each baby brings a little bit of heaven with them.

God showers us with infinite blessings every day. The least we could do is return the favor and bring blessings ourselves.

Bless those you see with your smile. Bless your work with your energy and talent. Bless your friends with kindness and understanding. Bless your family with your joy, laughter, and love. Bless your enemies with forgiveness. Bless your animals with affection, love, and protection. Bless those in need with compassion and help. Bless the children with tenderness, a gentle reminder of God’s power, love, and sanctuary.

“Bradley, our beautiful little one, thank you for changing our lives. Thank you for giving us greater joy. Thank you for ensuring we live life to the fullest every day. Thank you all for helping us dream bigger. You’ll forever be the greatest, most treasured gift we’ll ever receive on earth.” ~ Matt

Worthy Purpose

 “We are God’s masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus, to help Him do His work." ~ Eph 2:10

Michael walked down the street in the middle of San Antonio when he came across a busy construction site. He stopped briefly as heavy equipment operators moved tons of dirt and materials. Masons poured concrete, iron workers built structures, and bosses gave instructions. Everyone played an important instrument in this symphony set in motion.

He became fascinated by workers in a ditch by the sidewalk and decided to ask one of them what they were doing?” A tired, mud-splattered plumber looked up and paused. Excitement filled his eyes like sparkplugs roaring an engine with the growl of anticipation.

"We're building the world’s first ultra-accessible theme park for kids with disabilities,“ his boasted proudly. “It’ll open next year (2010) as “Morgan’s Wonderland.” It will include rides, playgrounds, gardens, a special-event center, and 575-seat amphitheater."

Before returning to his work, the man suggested that Michael check out the website and learn more about the project’s back story. And so, he did.

Six years earlier, Gordon Hartman sold his homebuilding business to establish The Hartman Family Foundation so he and his wife, Maggie, could help children and adults with special needs.

During a family vacation, their daughter Morgan, who was born with physical and cognitive disabilities, wanted to play with kids tossing a ball in a hotel swimming pool. But when she asked them, they quickly took their ball and vanished.

Never forgetting the anguished look on Morgan’s face, the heartbroken father decided there had to be a way to bridge the gap of misunderstanding about people with special needs. As a retired home builder, Hartman answered the looming question himself by erecting a theme park called “Morgan’s Wonderland” that opened in 2010.

The phrase “ultra-accessible” drove the park’s design, from waterproof, compressed-air fueled wheelchairs to water areas set at different temperatures for those who can’t manage the cold. The park has no bright flashing lights or anything that might trigger seizures.

Seven years later they added a water park, “Morgan's Inspiration Island,” featuring accessible splash pads and water play areas. At the Wharf, guests can even participate in catch-and-release fishing.

All the rides and attractions are fully accessible to those using any type of wheelchair. It's a special park where one can relax regardless of your abilities, and enjoy a barrier-free, wonderful time.

There are a great many purposes to which you can dedicate your life. Wealth does not necessarily correlate with spiritual advancement. Both men shared a similar vision. The entrepreneur used his wealth to provide amusement activities for a disadvantaged group. The man in the ditch committed himself to building a worthy structure because he shared the same vision enthusiastically.

Creator God, God, bring into my vision people and opportunities that’ll help reveal the passions and dreams that You have planted within my heart. Direct me in ways to explore how I’m naturally equipped to serve others and bring You glory. Amen

Golden Mom

 “Every child is born from their mother’s inner strength." ~ Ezekiel 19:2

The situation seemed hopeless; desperation eclipsed the wonderful news the zoo’s staff had announced just weeks before. Canine parents Bleu and Maurice were expecting a litter of African-painted dogs, the first U.S. births in protective captivity in over 3 years.

Native to sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than 6,600 African-painted dogs remain on earth. Endangered and declining rapidly, they are often targeted by hunters for threatening livestock.

Their mottled coats sport the hippest fur in the bush with splashes of brown, white, and yellow. In the wild, African-painted wolves live in large packs. Thus, zoo staff typically remains hands-off so packs can raise pups as they would in the wild and acquire the social structure of their species.

Eight pups arrived in September. But Bleu, an inexperienced mother, wasn’t adequately caring for her pups, and Maurice followed her lead. Quickly, it became clear the newborns - vital to the growth of the species’ population - would perish without intervention.

Instead of bottle-feeding the pups, the staff furiously sought a surrogate dog to help nurse and raise them. In their desperation, a novel pathway opened up.

Within hours, the local Animal Welfare agency contacted the zoo with a female golden retriever with a new litter and milk to share. Kassy, her own 4 puppies in tow, came to the zoo and instantly nursed the painted dog pups as her own.

Over the next month, raising the painted dog pups came with difficulties and disappointments. As is common with baby animals, some of the painted dog pups didn’t survive despite the valiant efforts of Kassy and the Animal Care team.

But three did.

Today the blended family of pups are extremely playful, inquisitive, and on the path to a healthy life.

Once the African-painted dog pups are older, they will move to another accredited facility with hopes of joining a pack of their own to help expand the animals’ population.

All because one mother stepped in.

A mother’s love is a magnificent force that transcends earthly boundaries. It is the beacon of unconditional love and sacrifice, shedding light on our lives even before we take our first breath.

As children, we find solace in our mother’s presence. Her tireless endeavors to nurture, guide, and elevate us punctuate every stage of our lives. Her strength is our shield in the storm; no matter how far we drift, her beacon of love invariably guides us back home.

Let us pay tribute to all the guardian angels - Moms, by birth or by choice - who unwaveringly watch over their children. Your sacrifices change lives. Your love molds the future. And your warmth makes this world a more compassionate and kinder place.

Lord, on this special day, may we honor and cherish the special women who have born us, nurtured us, and prayed for our well-being. Let our hearts overflow with gratitude to You, who formed and knitted each of us in a mother’s womb. Amen

Together for a Reason

 “We are God’s handiwork, created to do good works." ~ Ephesians 2:10

Harold’s grandson grabbed a booth while he went to order some breakfast. Workers toiled through the numbness of the job, cranking out orders like an assembly line.

McDonald's had recently installed self-service kiosks. Harold questioned the idea of touching a filthy screen just to get in line to pay for what he just ordered.

Working the cash register, however, was an older lady, well beyond 70 years. Platinum hair and wire-framed glasses; she looked like everybody’s grandma. Greeting each customer with a friendly smile and a few kind words, her warmth brightened the entire restaurant. He sidestepped the kiosk.

When it was his turn, Harold returned the smile. “Your cheery attitude is a ray of sunshine on this otherwise gloomy day,” he added. “Mind if I order here at the counter instead?”

She laughed, patted his hand, and said, “No extra charge, Hon!”

They finished their breakfast and Harold waited for the cashier to take her morning break.  As she walked by their booth, he motioned for her to join them and she welcomed the invitation.

He learned from Loraine that this was a special day at the Golden Arches. Today marked her 44^th year of working for the chain. Franchise owners were hosting a celebration in her honor complete with free coffee and cake. A kind gesture though she’s not retiring.

“Miss Loraine,” started serving friendship at McDonald's in 1979 after her late husband retired due to a disability. He died the following year.

She rises at 3 a.m. for her early weekend shifts. Customers say that she’s the only one who makes oatmeal correctly. “They’re my life,” she offered. “I’ve traveled with them, gone to ball games with them. They’re friends, not just customers. They were my life savers when I lost my husband.”

I'll bet you could teach these kids a thing or two,” Harold suggested.

“We learn from each other,” Loraine quickly countered. “I tend to think longer term and know what it means to commit through thick and thin. I “know the ropes” and am happy to pass along what I know about interpersonal skills like common courtesy and team play.”

“In turn, they help me with computers and my iPhone. Their perspectives are more diverse which helps open my eyes to the ever-changing world. They’re great at thinking out of the box too.”

“We’re together for a reason,” she added.

Harold left the restaurant richer for the experience. It’s funny, he thought, how we work hard for money to buy things. But the things that matter most can’t be bought. They’re given easily and joyfully received. Love, smiles, hugs, laughter, intimacy, happiness, joy, and connection are all free of charge; God-given talents we give each other.

Father God, You’ve called me to thrive and succeed in community, not isolation. May I see the true value of those You’ve placed in my life. Show me what it means to be a real friend who helps others succeed. Amen