Tonight, our Soldier departed to finish his training. Just six days after the birth of his firstborn he had to say goodbye to his Bride and his pride and joy. I can’t imagine saying goodbye to my husband while holding my newborn baby in my arms. I can’t imagine the weight of this separation on a brand new father.
Trey will be back for Christmas. In just over three weeks, he’ll graduate. Sophie was reassured of this many times and will likely need to be reminded throughout the next few weeks.
But the reality of his upcoming deployment to Iraq made tonight’s departure especially difficult.
While eating in the Airport Cafe’ and passing the time, God’s grace showed up in the form of an older gentleman.
“Tell me about your new grandson,” he said after reading the back of my t-shirt. I’ll likely wear that thing out before Gavin turns one month old.
“He’s right over there,” I said, and then explained that his father would be leaving to finish training for the Army National Guard. “He’ll begin training for Iraq in January and will be deployed next year.”
“Infantry?”
“Yes. My daughter is in the National Guard as well,” I continued the story as his eyes seemed to beg for more.
The compassion of Christ flowed from this man. He listened intently as I told him about Sophie being my little tubal-reversal miracle and Gavin’s three-year-old aunt, and then about Sophie’s and Courtney’s t-shirts. He knew exactly what I meant when I tried to explain the awesome wonder of having a grandchild.
“They’re really just on loan to us, you know? They belong to Him,” he said reminding me that they are safe with Him.
As I think back on our conversation, I am also reminded that where two are three are gathered together in His name, He is in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20). This was no chance meeting. Before I could ask, the gentleman told me he would pray for my family. And he said . . .
“Love is going to cover them. Love will cover them.”
Truly He was in our midst.
Praise God! Love WILL cover!
sniff sniff… :’) waaah. Praying for that new little family, and your new BIG family. I love you! Glad you are who you are, where you are, and how you are! Stand strong, Mama Bear!
Laura
So awesome how God sent that man! Yes, love still covers, and He’s still using your voice. I’m with Laura, stand strong Mama Bear!
It amazes me sometimes the people that God puts in our path. The ones that you know we are meant to meet even in the strangest of ways. So many angels without wings walk this earth to do His bidding.
Love does Cover all and we will continue praying for you all. That babe is gorgeous and you are blessed again to have such a wonderful family.
My thoughts are with you all especially the new mama.
Many blessings thru the holidays and into the new year from our house to yours.
Steff
My eyes are filled to the brim with tears! God is so good to use, isn’t He! I so appreciate the obediance of others to follow the Lord’s lead when I see myself and other benefit from it. What a blessing!
Oh Rena…I can’t even fathom it… How wonderful that you all have one another to lean on during this time… Pryaiing for you friend!
i’m having to hold back the tears!!! i hope that Trey will be ok where he is sent……I know that Cammi will be ok with you, just keep her busy, and the time will pass easier. God works in wonderful ways……
Thanks for stopping by the other day. I just love preacher’s wife, wish I knew her for reals!
This post left me so emotional and now here it is a couple days later and I’m finally leaving you a comment because I woke up thinking about your daughter and the whole family missing your soldier this Thanksgiving. You made it very real for me.
Prayers for you today.
[...] decorated, even my spouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with flare, In hopes that the Soldier would soon be there. Out on the porch, Cammie scurried with lights, “This year we’re going to do this [...]
Sweet, sweet man–obviously a God send to remind you who they belong to.
[...] decorated, even my spouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with flare, In hopes that the Soldier would soon be there. Out on the porch, Cammie scurried with lights, “This year we’re going to do this [...]