Insert Grace Here

Tonight, our Soldier departed to finish his training.  Just six days after the birth of his firstborn he had to say goodbye to his Bride and his pride and joy.  I can’t imagine saying goodbye to my husband while holding my newborn baby in my arms.  I can’t imagine the weight of this separation on a brand new father.

Trey will be back for Christmas.  In just over three weeks, he’ll graduate.  Sophie was reassured of this many times and will likely need to be reminded throughout the next few weeks.

But the reality of his upcoming deployment to Iraq made tonight’s departure especially difficult.

While eating in the Airport Cafe’ and passing the time, God’s grace showed up in the form of an older gentleman.

“Tell me about your new grandson,” he said after reading the back of my t-shirt.  I’ll likely wear that thing out before Gavin turns one month old.

“He’s right over there,” I said, and then explained that his father would be leaving to finish training for the Army National Guard.  “He’ll begin training for Iraq in January and will be deployed next year.”

“Infantry?”

“Yes.  My daughter is in the National Guard as well,” I continued the story as his eyes seemed to beg for more.

The compassion of Christ flowed from this man.  He listened intently as I told him about Sophie being my little tubal-reversal miracle and Gavin’s three-year-old aunt, and then about Sophie’s and Courtney’s t-shirts.  He knew exactly what I meant when I tried to explain the awesome wonder of having a grandchild.

“They’re really just on loan to us, you know?  They belong to Him,” he said reminding me that they are safe with Him.

As I think back on our conversation, I am also reminded that where two are three are gathered together in His name, He is in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20). This was no chance meeting.  Before I could ask, the gentleman told me he would pray for my family.  And he said . . .

“Love is going to cover them.  Love will cover them.”

Truly He was in our midst.

Praise God!  Love WILL cover!