"Meaningful Moments"

“Meaningful Moments”

Life is a gift from God (“The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”—Job 33:4). However, its duration on earth is limited (“You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each {one’s} life is but a breath. Selah”—Psalm 39:5 {see the article “The Selahs of Life” for the significance of this term, especially in this context.}) This suggests that each day, even each hour and minute, is important and God expects us to use it well (“…make the very most of your time….”—Colossians 4:5. Moffatt) as His “…good and perfect gift….” (James 1:17).

While all the days God gives us have purpose there are certain events which stand out as “meaningful moments”. In my case these include (among others) my salvation, baptism, call to ministry, graduations, Karen’s and my wedding day and the births of our children and grandchildren. There are also a number of noteworthy personal experiences which I’ll never forget. These include….

*While stranded in the Atlanta airport due to a New England snowstorm we saw a contingent of soldiers marching through the passenger waiting area. Spontaneously those seated stood and applauded until the last one exited. What a display of appreciation and patriotism!

*During an on-call night in my CPE training I was summoned to a “Code Blue” situation. The patient was an African-American man of about 40 who had many relatives, including his mother in a wheelchair, watching as the staff worked. I introduced myself and offered prayer at the family’s request. When the crisis had passed and the patient stabilized I prepared to leave. The patient’s mother then held out her arms and hugged me tightly. I had trouble holding back the tears at her expression of thanks and oneness of God’s people.

*Karen and I were leaving a musical program at the Holy Land Experience in Orlando when we saw a couple with a special needs adult daughter. Just then the actor who had portrayed Jesus came by, saw the family, knelt down by the wheelchair and prayed for them. He did just as Jesus would have had He been present that day (and I believe He was!).

*While clearing out a cabinet recently we found a tape of our wedding which we hadn’t heard in many years. As we listened memories of that special day 50 years ago flooded our minds. We thanked God for His blessings on our half century journey together.

What are some of your most “meaningful moments”? Cherish them and be thankful (“The memory of the righteous will be a blessing….”--Proverbs 10:7). And share them with others.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan