It's been a good day other than Caleb coming down (last night) with what we believe is food poisoning. And, Heather being diagnosed with walking pneumonia back home and Ben with some kind of funk too and they weren't able to be here. Then, there's the phone call from the mechanic today that the transmission in my SUV has gone out. But besides all that...
We had lunch with Grace and wanted to give her a gift of encouragement. She's had more gifts this year than we can count (understandably so), so everyone at the table was asked to tell her what she means to them, what they love about her or what they are praying for her. We never know the profound impact our words can have on a person, and although it's not always easy to verbalize what's in your heart we wanted to try.
It was so sweet to listen to what everyone said. Early on, I grabbed a pen and paper and tried to write down what I heard so one day Grace would have those memories.
Steven had the camera in this picture and Caleb was in the bed trying to get well. Katie and Jay Brooks were with him trying to get some much needed rest.
A few things said were: "I love your smile! I love your persistence. I will always, always, always be here for you no matter what! I love how you never give up. You are the most determined little girl I know. And, I love how you never complain. I know it's really been a hard year for you learning a new language, learning to walk again, going to a new school; I am so proud of you! I love how brave you are and how you haven't let fear keep you from doing anything. I love your sweet touch and your sweet heart, and I love how God is preparing your heart to live there someday very soon."
Those are the highlights anyway, then I asked Grace if she wanted to say anything to any of us. And she said "Yes!" She said, "I want to say that I love everyone. You have taken good care of me and given me so many things. When I was sick you helped me and I love you all."
I wanted to freeze the moment; I wanted it on video or at least on tape. But, as all of life's precious moments are, it was fleeting; here for a moment and then gone.
I laid Grace down as the day ended. We opened her "Hug Time" bible story book and I read the opening verse Hebrews 13:5, "God has said, I will never leave you. I will never abandon you." I was silent. It seemed that moment was frozen and a new ear for those words was given. What beautiful timing! The story that went with the verse was of Ruth. A young girl who lost it all but determined she would never leave Naomi, her mother-in-law. She said wherever you go, I will go. And, wherever you stay, I will stay (Ruth 1:16). God chose to remind Grace tonight that He is always with her and I pray she will say to her heavenly Father one day...wherever You go, I will go, and wherever You stay, I will stay.
I have been asking the Lord for over a year now what scripture He wants on the wall of Grace's bedroom. Tonight, He gave the answer. Hebrews 13:5 it is!
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