Semicolons

I got my first (and last) tattoo this past summer. It's a semicolon. I did it in memory of my youngest son's good friend from high school who joined the Army right out of school and was deployed soon after. He was doing great, or so we thought. After returning to the US, he had demons he couldn't shake and memories that haunted him to the point of no return. So he interrupted his life and put a period where a semicolon should have, could have been. He ended the memories, the demons, and the nightmares. Little did he know he created so many more for the people he left behind.

I am constantly reminded to pray for his family by the tattoo on my wrist, but I am also reminded that God places semicolons in our lives in so many ways, on so many occasions and even through other people.

These days (because I'm older and about to retire) I often find myself thinking my ministry is over, my days of being a real blessing are over, the influence in my children's life is over ... and then I see the semicolon. God reminds me that He places semicolons in our lives every day. It doesn't matter if it's a ministry, marriage, relationships, careers - whatever it is - He is able to exchange a semicolon for the period we think is unavoidable. Sometimes it's in the strangest ways, the strangest places - the most extraordinary situations ... but He reminds us - if we're breathing - He's not finished with you/me yet.

Heads up! The maker of the universe - the one who hung the stars and planets in space - the one who knew you (and me) before we were even formed in our Mother's belly - He has a purpose and a plan for every one of us. It may not be the plan we have, but I guarantee you it's a plan that's so much better than any plan you and I can formulate!

Jeremiah 1:5 EXB "Before I made [formed] you in your mother's womb, I chose [knew] you. Before you were born [came out of the womg], I set you apart for a special work [consecrated you].