He even redeems the foot in my mouth...awesome God!!

I was in the airport traveling back to Houston for Spring Break and found myself snacking on the foot in my mouth before I ate my newly purchased $2.00 banana at the airport kiosk. After I made my $2.00 purchase, I turned around and just behind me there was a beautiful woman who was being escorted by her husband in an guest airport wheelchair. I said Hello and she replied back the same. Then, I said, "I wish I could take a seat with you, I am exhausted from all the walking." She  said, "Honey, I would trade places with you in a second if I had good legs and could walk and run...I miss being able to do that." And there it was, foot in my mouth. I felt horrible. Why oh why did I have to say anything?!?
Then God gave me these words: "There was a day the Lord had me in a place where I had to physically slow down and He taught me the lesson of slowing down and finding Him in the little things of life. I learned a new appreciation for enjoying beautiful moments in the slower pace than I had ever before in my rushing past. So, maybe the Lord has some special things to show you right now. He always has a plan." Her face lit up, "You know, you are so right...He has. I was in an accident and was paralyzed. Now, by His grace He has allowed me to be able to walk with a cane but only for short distances which is why I am having to use this chair." 
I smiled at this moment God used my foot to muffle my own words and give me His words of encouragement for this women. I just knew I would walk away from that encounter with my head hung low (especially since my daughter was a witness to the whole thing) and yet God redeemed that moment and both of us left that moment in praise of the Great Physician and God of Everlasting Hope. She said the encouragement was gold nuggets to her soul. And you know, just as Only God can, He overcome what Saran meant for evil, He made good!!! It was encouragement for her and a reminder for me...to count my blessings right where I am, not just counting the ones of past days or hopeful ones to come but to see today's plan of blessing. And there in the airport, I also needed that random moment of celebratory praise and reminder as I stood facing another flight of victory and grace in my own life!! What a mighty God we serve!!
Right there at the kiosk, I prayed for her to have continued strength and a renewed heart and endurance to keep on keeping on, finding the tiny treasures of God as she made her way through every new day. Secretly, it was my prayer for me to claim too. We hugged and high-fived our Amens! May it be so. "God is soooo good" we jointly exclaimed! 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,

 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 

who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 

who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed." Psalm 103:1-6 (ESV)

Thank You Lord for moments of great redeeming in our lives and for every little stupid moment we create for ourselves. You are such a gracious God and Savior. Your saving Grace is so much more than a decision of salvation...it's the every day, every moment grace you pour over every word we say. Thank You for being a shield about us and for the love and encouragement of Kingdom blessings. Thank You for the redeeming Cross and it's power in my every breath and word, in our steps and our wheeling through! You are a sweet loving Lord! Bless and strengthen all those who find  themselves in a slower pace of life, show them the sweet treasures that only can be seen from their pace. Help those of us able to walk and run, to embrace the pace we are able to go and yet take time to slow down and seek Your golden nuggets along the journey. In the Name above all Names, we pray, seek, hope and live, Amen.