Pass in Freedom

It’s that time of the year again. The weather is cool, the light is scarce, and the trees are full of vibrant color. After digging out the jeans from the back of my closet, I unpack my boots and line the top shelf. My windbreakers have seen better days, but I have no worries. Fall is my favorite season. It’s not too hot and not too cold. It rains, but never overboard and things, though dying, are not dead yet. The ground carries the highest cost of this magnificent change, but it’s nothing a rake can’t take care of and I am reminded of how grateful I am to see another season pass in freedom.  

Yesterday, my husband was scheduled to preach three different times. Twice at the Regimental Chapel and once to those who have yet to endure a week in our Army’s basic training. The transition between services is mechanic and happened as it should without flaw. When we made it to the third and final message of the day, I was shocked by the response I heard to an open call for prayer requests.

One by one, without shame, young men stood up and laid bare their heart’s concerns. Their burdens, though different in specifics, were much the same in that all of these Soldiers were weighted down by the condition of things outside of their control. Their discomfort was for their wives, children, parents and friends. It was over their family’s provision, protection, comfort, and love. It was for their sick, dying, and dead.

 I leaned back in the school like desk I sat in and was taken back to a time where my own fears sounded much the same and just as loud. I’ll never forget my time away from home, but it did teach me something about what is and isn’t in my control. Today, I find great comfort in knowing that God never abandoned me. His scripture continues to bring me peace just as it did in my darkest hour.

And so the Chaplain read…

And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.  And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”  And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

Mark 10: 47-52 (ESV)