Today’s scripture: Matthew 18:12-14 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robin Herman):
First things first: February 7, 2012, is the fifth anniversary of the day we found Abbey.
I had quit my 28-year career job to risk everything and open a new business. The car accident was 10 months after we opened. My car was totaled, my other dog Bailey was injured, Abbey was missing, and I was seriously injured. I had broken my neck, broken 4 ribs, broke my cheek bone, slashed my head open, almost slashed my ear off, punctured a lung and lacerated my spleen.
Robin’s car after the accident.
During the accident, Abbey flew out one window, I flew out the other. For twelve days, we searched for her in the snow, ice, and with an average temperature of 8 degrees. I think it would be fair to say that hundreds of people were looking for her. There were signs up everywhere. We were on Fox 59 news and WFBQ’s web site. But it wasn’t looking good.
As the days passed, I stopped myself from counting them. What were the chances of finding her? I was devastated. She was my responsibility. How could I have lost my best friend? I missed her so much.
Then on February 7, at 8:35 am, she was carried back in through my front door. Confused, dazed, hungry, and cold, but she was fine, and still wearing the leash I had put on her 12 days prior. Every time I look at her, I remember what a miracle getting her back was. I also don’t forget what a nasty 12 days that was.
I refer to the days between January 26 and February 7 as the ‘dark period.’ Lisa, my partner, decided she wasn’t going to stand for that anymore. This year she spent an inordinate amount of time telling me everything that I have to be thankful for — besides finding Abbey.
She was there, before I even knew her, helping to look for Abbey. That led to meeting her a year later. I lived through it, and Abbey wasn’t hurt. My friends and my church were so supportive. I made new friends and gained a whole new appreciation of the blessings that I have.
Thought for the day: God is in the details, and God’s light is in even your darkest of days.
Abbey
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.