Morning Devotional

November 27, 2004
"One Year Ago"

by Don Emmitte

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He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the LORD. Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud, or in those who worship idols. O LORD my God, you have done many miracles for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. (Psalm 40:3-5 NLT).

This morning is very special. One year ago the twins, Faith and Logan were born. It was Thanksgiving Day and I had already cooked a meal of turkey, dressing and all the trimmings. Since Mary was still in North Carolina helping with Kyle and Brandy, this was the first time I was responsible for all of those chores. It turned out good, though the empty chair was certainly noticeable! It was difficult being without Mary for the holidays, though well worth the sacrifice!

After lunch I received the call from Kyle that I needed to get on a plane and get to Raleigh. The babies were going to be born. The doctors seemed confident that all would be well, though our anxiety was certainly high because of al the complications that had existed during the pregnancy. Well, the story could be lengthened, but the short version is that they were born and seemed perfect in every way. I arrived and the drive from the airport to the hospital was very long, even though it was only a few miles. Getting robed and disinfected to enter the nursery seemed to take hours, however the moment finally arrived and I was standing in front of the basinet where Faith and Logan lay. And, of course, I was overcome with emotion to see this miracle of God before me.

Recovering some composure I began to ask how they were? Were they all right? What did the doctors have to say? Were their lungs developed enough? I had many questions. Kyle assured me that all was well, at least all but one possibility. It seemed Logan had one of his “lifelines” on his left hand that was continuous. Most of the palm folds in our hands are separated. In fact, it is relatively rare that they are not unless there is some problem. It seems that it could be an indicator of other physical or mental problems. The doctors were a little baffled, but not overly concerned. They did wonder if someone in the family might have the same characteristic. As Kyle explained all of that, I lifted my left hand, palm up, and said, “Oh, do you mean like this?” We had a nice little laugh and I realized even more that God’s plan is so wonderful that words cannot describe its greatness.

I know these are the ramblings of a doting grandpa, but they serve to underscore a principle. We simply cannot see tomorrow. However, in God’s hands we are in the safest possible position. If it looks dark and foreboding for you now, just wait (the easiest advice to give and the hardest to take), God will work a mighty miracle in your life. It may not be what you expect. However, it will be simply wonderful. Trust Him!

Oh, by the way, as you read this devotional, I will be in North Carolina to be with the kids. I cannot tell you how wonderful God is! There aren’t enough words in the world to express his greatness!