A reminder of the life nearly lost-mine
When I woke up this morning the last thing I expected to see was the news that a rescue helicopter had crashed on Mt. Kilimanjaro killing all five on board. Two hikers, a guide, a doctor and a pilot. As I read the news blast, I was quickly reminded how close I came to not coming home from that same mountain. I prayed for those lost and could not imagine the Christmas their families would wake up to as I patiently waited for my teenagers to rise. I wondered if it was my same pilot that flew so carefully to save my life as he chatted with Rob on the challenges of high altitude flying. I immediately reached out to all our guides to check on them and make sure they were safe. And then, what inevitably enters the minds of survivors, I wondered why them and not me?
As the wonders of Christmas morning and homemade French toast with grilled spam (yes, spam) continued, the crash remained in the back of my mind. As I watched the girls open their one gift for the day (we spread gift opening out for the next twelve days until Three Kings Day on 6 January) I felt overwhelming thanks to be here to see this day. I shared with someone recently that I did not fear death nor did I anxiously wonder when that day would come. It wasn’t because of our age difference, but because I knocked on death’s door and felt a peace that could only be explained by my faith in God. I knew the girls would be ok, I knew that God would continue to watch over my family…and I was at peace. I was not anxious nor fearful as I ached to lay my head down for my final rest. But today, on the Christmas Day, I was beyond thankful that God has more for me to do on this earth.
What does God have planned for you? Where can you continue to spread God’s message? I have a co-worker that knew me before I had the girls and she has seen a dramatic change in my faith walk. This is not where I thought I would be fifteen years ago, but God had other plans. I just had to listen and obey and I am forever grateful for the calling. Much like the shepherds visited by an angel and a “great company of a heavenly host”, go “spread the word” so that all that hear may be “amazed” (Luke 2:13-18, NIV).
Today, on this day where we celebrate the miraculous birth of our Savior, I pray that you listen to your calling. I pray that you be willing and obey where God leads you, even if it doesn’t make sense to you in the moment. I think you will find, as I have, that you are better for it. Merry Christmas!
