Shannon R. Hess

Today read: John 15:11-17

Really read it !!

Today isn’t a typical Monday, everyone isn’t unhappy with going back to the grind or kids going back to school or the weekend being over. I am praying you don’t feel that way tomorrow, or any Monday ever again! Life is for living, all parts of life, not just the fun parts.

The first half of my childhood I was raised on Army bases around the world. My earthly dad was a soldier. He still makes helping and loving and giving back his way of life with veterans.

Living on an army base is like living with a big family. I have some of the best memories. My dad was in the Gulf War, and I want to share today his return home story to remind you what today is for.

I remember it so vividly, he was gone. We said goodbyes, so many women crying because their husbands were leaving. I remember my mom watching the news a lot, and I remember taping him messages to send over there. But what I really remember is him coming home!

My whole Illinois family came to the base we lived on in FT. Leonard Wood Mo.. it was like a big party! Everyone was so happy he was coming home! I didn’t realize why really, I didn’t realize some daddies don’t come home.

They were late because of a storm maybe and a plane re-route, not sure. I just remember us all waiting and excited. I went with my grandpa and few others to run to Sonic for food. Remember this was before cell phones. So we had an estimated time of arrival. We were driving back and that’s when we realized they were home! All the buses lined up coming into town, and I had my little American flag and climbed up on my grandpas lap in the front seat, I was leaning out the window just waving it and smiling and then I saw him.. my dad! His head popped up from the crowd on the bus and the smile on his face… It was him! I still see it in mind, the moment we locked eyes. I think the other guys mentioned a little blonde waving like crazy at them and he thought I’ll stand up and look … and it was me! It was exhilarating! My grandpa, his father, had tears in his eyes not falling but there. The other family in the van were all yelling and cheering! It was beautiful.

My daddy came home. That’s what I remember on this day ever year and I pray for the families of the kids whose daddy didn’t come home. But I also wonder if that isn’t what it’s like in heaven! Everyone cheering for you to come home!!! Glorious!

I thank God that He is our Heavenly Father and He makes a way and heals broken hearts and loves us unconditionally especially at times when our earthy fathers fail.

A few weeks ago my dad asked me to come out and talk to him in his garage. He was so filled with emotion telling me his heart for his fellow veterans, and he felt led to share with me what was taught to them all by an army minister before they went to war.

A word: ALTAR

He wrote it down for me, and then broke it down. He said they were told if they forgot how to pray or never learned how this word is all they needed to remember!

A- acknowledge God! He is who His word says He is.. He is faithful and just.

L- love, love them all

T- be thankful to God for everything

A- ask Him for what you need

R- repent, from the heart and change the behavior

The gospel is simple friends and I pray today these words sink down in places you have hidden, and that you feel God’s holy love and remember we love because He first loved us. That you surrender your heart to the only One that can heal it, and remember that love looks like something it requires action. I thank you God that my dad came home, that you’re not done using his life and it’s not over till it’s good

– in Jesus name we pray, Amen

Happy Memorial Day!