Special moments, times not planned, and times that could not be choreographed-times that just happen, and we are the better for them. As I sit here I think of all the special moments that God has provided for me, times that just happened, not planned or prayed for, but given in a very special way. Here are just a few.
We were at the start of the Baja 1000 in 1998. The Trophy Trucks were staged, and ready to go off in a few minutes. Don Tebbe, crew chief and co-driver for Simon and Simon, a fellow Christian, sees me and we decide to pray. Along with Andrew, we stand at the starting line, just the three of us and start to pray. Looking up after a minute or so, we find that we are surrounded by 100's of racers and fans, and ESPN is filming us. A special moment that God allowed, and all the glory goes to him. And no, the Simons didn't win the race, but they have won something more important, as both Dave and Paul are both saved.
We are at the crash site of Flight 93 in Shanksville on September, 11, 2005. Standing among a group of a few hundred bikers, we are fogged in and cold this morning. While waiting for the program to begin, a man steps out of the crowd, and starts singing the National Anthem. Spontaneously, the crowd joins in, and I can still feel the chills as we sing. A special moment, as we thank God for our country, and the heroes of flight 93. And then, as we finish the song, the fog lifts-right on cue, and as the field appears, we see the flag, 100 yards away, placed on the impact site! Tears were mandatory that morning, as seeing that the "flag was still there," brought a special meaning to the song that morning. And reminded us all of the great land God has given us, and how he continues to "shed His grace on thee!"
We had not seen my parents in New Jersey for years at Christmas. So we planned on going back, while both boys were still living at home-and surprise them. Flying into Newark in a snowstorm, the limo driver got us through to Scotch Plains using all the back roads, and avoided the highway traffic jams. Showing up on December 23rd, at about 8pm, we knocked at the door-and my dad answered in shock! "Michael!" And he couldn't call for my mother fast enough. A special gift to all of us, as later my mother told me this was the best gift she ever got. We had the 24th to shop, while she cooked, and it gave a new excitement to Christmas, as all her family-including grandkids, were home. A time we will never forget, and were blessed to be part of.
Three special times, that God has allowed us to be part of. My parents never would have expected their Christmas visitors, and that made it more special. Just like Jesus coming into the world, He was unexpected, although prophesied. No pomp and circumstance, just an intimate teenage couple, in the barn, while travelling. Little did the innkeeper know He had a king being born in his stable that night.
Somehow we have this holiday thing backwards. Like Thanksgiving-we should give thanks 364 days a year, and have only one day to be a grump-Grumptaking! And when it comes to Jesus, we should celebrate every day-for every day is worth celebrating when He is part of your life. Today you will have many opportunities to encounter Him. From various sources, and various people-don't miss one chance to thank Him. Make today count!
Just a race-no much more in the eyes of God. Just a memorial to American heroes-no much more in the eyes of God-and His spirit guided those heroes on the plane-reciting Psalm 23 and bringing 40 strangers together in unity-and helping preserve America so that more history could be written.
And yes, we were just some crazy people in a snowstorm. But we would do it all over. For in all cases, when we gave of ourselves, and honored God, we received more blessings than the blessings we were willing to give.
Call, phone, e-mail, or visit someone today. Tell them you care, and ask what you can do for them. Tell them Jesus loves them, and show it by your kind words and actions. You'll find precious memories just waiting to happen to you-if only you believe!
love with compassion,
Mike
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