Military Man or Angel?

Yesterday’s post ended with, “Five minutes later, he was an angel.”

However our encounter started an hour earlier. When I first approached him, he was having breakfast in the small food court. We were the only people there at the time.

I asked him permission to say something and, of course, he graciously granted it.

After sharing a very simple thank you with him – and I may have mentioned my Dad (Korean War) and Father-in-law (WWII) both served – we both smiled and went on about our morning.

About an hour later, totally by chance we end up sitting together for 3-4 minutes right before boarding.

The plane was a smaller regional jet and, being in Zone 1 (first boarding) I walked out on the tarmac and up the steps (like the President does) to get on the jet.

It was there that panic set in. “My phone! Where’s my phone? Oh no! I can’t be missing my phone. I’ve got to find it!”

As I was about to have a meltdown, and was walking the opposite way to get off the plane to go back inside the terminal, the Military Man, my new Angel, was holding it out in his hand.

God is good! 🙂

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941.

At dinner last night, a friend reminded me that the day before was the anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor. This came up because I had mentioned that John Lennon was assassinated December 8, 1980.

I can’t explain to you why, but I felt particularly stupid for remembering a rock star milestone, but not an American milestone.

Well, actually, I hadn’t remembered John Lennon’s death. Was reminded of that by a Facebook friend. Anyway, I had a spiritual moment that gently reminded me that the world has always been a tough, uncertain place.

It prompted me to silently, and discreetly, count my blessings and give thanks for what we have today.

From Wikipedia: Despite numerous historical precedents of unannounced military action, the lack of any formal declaration prior to the attack led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to proclaim “December 7th, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy”.

And while it’s proper to remember American milestones, it’s even greater to remember another day that will live on forever – Christmas.

Pray Without Ceasing

Life is hard for many people this time of year. Add to that unprecedented times, and we have an overwhelming number of people who are struggling in one way or another right now.

And I mean struggling at a greater intensity than many generations can recall.

It sure seems that way to me.

Can you imagine being Tiger Woods right now, or President Obama, or even the Pope?

Can you imagine being the average American who can no longer put food on the table, when a year ago they could quite easily?

I worry about a lot more than I used to. So, now more than ever, the phrase, “Pray without ceasing“, has a special meaning.

And also a special obligation.