I’m in Germany, living on a military base, but if you stay close, you live no differently then you would in the good ole USA. Tonight I was reminded where I am….
We made our weekly trip to the commissary tonight. Usually Ria goes alone, #1 because I’ll spend twice as much and bring home 3 bags and #2, because our kids turn into maniacs when they step in there. Well, tonight we all went together. From the second aisle, there’s this kid, who seems to be doing whatever he can to see us. He and Gabriel are talking and I’m messing with him. He shows up in every aisle and grabs something from the shelf, runs back to his Mom in the next aisle over. In no time, he’s back to return the item and I’d say something like, “man, she wouldn’t let ya have it?” or “hey, throw that in our cart.” I ask him how old he is and he says, “I’m seven.” His two front teeth are missing, just like Gabriel. A few aisles over, I ask him his name and he says, “Javon”.
We keep shopping and he keeps showing up and I keep saying to Ria, “man, that kid looks familiar.” She tells me that I’ve probably seen him when I was picking up Gabriel from school or maybe I’ve seen him at the dental clinic where she works. I have no idea!
We’re getting ready to check out and there he is again. I said, “hey Javon, what’s your Daddy’s name?”, thinking maybe I know him from church or something. Javon says, “Ummm Sgt. something…Uhhh, I mean, I’m really not sure, I haven’t seen him in 2 years, he’s in Iraq fighting a war.” I had to walk away as tears ran down my face. Sometimes I forget where I am. Sometimes I forget how lucky we are to be together this Christmas. Sometimes I forget that I am surrounded by these kids who have Mommy’s and Daddy’s that won’t be home next week. It hit me like I hope it hits you. Our words may not help much, but I know God’s Word will. James 5:16 seemed fitting today. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)
If you know a child like this one or know someone who knows someone, pray for them tonight. If you don’t know anyone, you can pray for Javon tonight. I know I will be.
Don’t forget….Don’t EVER forget!
