It is good to periodically take time to reflect and remember.

In a recent post I inferred we are at the time of year where reflection typically occurs more often than not as the old transitions to the new.

The passage of time carries with it certain events or milestones attained in life. As individuals we share many such occurrences, some positive some negative.

Taking our first steps.

The elation and surprise experienced during a first kiss.

Learning to drive and graduation days.

Getting engaged, going to the altar to be married, and the birth of children.

The passing of a loved one.

A broken relationship.

Surviving an accident.

On a corporate basis, we share common experiences which affect our collective psyche.

If you are old enough, you might remember where you were during the JFK Assassination.

The landing of man on the moon in July, 1969 was over the top and nationally celebrated.

Team USA’s defeat of the USSR Hockey team in the 1980 Olympics which led to a gold medal certainly revived patriotic tendencies against a backdrop of international tensions.

Many of us recall the events of September 11, 2001 and the utter feeling of shock and disbelief which we all endured.

Covid 19 lockdowns…need I say more?

The recent events of October 7, 2023 left many horrified and asking many questions.

Today is a day to reflect and remember.

It is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day which is observed annually on December 7th.

It’s been 83 years since Japanese Imperial forces conducted a surprise attack on the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor, killing over 2,400 people and injuring nearly 1,200, eventually launching the United States into World War II.

It is a day when Franklin D. Roosevelt subsequently declared before Congress (and to the world) it to be “a date which will live in infamy”.

Without minimizing the observation noted above, allow me to digress at this juncture as I have reason to remember this date on a personal level.

Although it does not carry with it the same level of national importance which occurred on this date in 1941, December 7, 2023 is a date on my personal time line where life undoubtedly shifted for me in a major and unexpected manner.

It was on this date a year ago I faced the sobering reality, as I entered an emergency room at a local hospital, to learn I was experiencing a coronary event or to put it succinctly, I was having a heart attack.

The details can be found here if you care to read about them.

Much reflection and remembering has occurred over the past twelve months. I have discovered and have experienced what it means to have Immanuel, God with me as reflected in the following verse:

“…The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.” (Matthew 1:23 NLT)

Immanuel was with me in the ER.

Immanuel was with me during the heart catheterization as medical personnel attempted to determine the extent of the problem.

Immanuel was with me as I waited on a surgery date while spending a week on the cardiac unit doing absolutely nothing except being a human pin cushion.

Immanuel was with me during the surgery as my family waited tentatively on the outcome as I emerged from the OR looking like a Bionic man.

Immanuel was with me post-operatively as I inched toward a discharge date.

Immanuel was with me during two subsequent procedures to remove fluid which formed beneath my lung.

Immanuel was with me during weeks of cardiac rehab.

Immanuel was assuredly with me over the course of this entire episode via the loving care given through Jackie’s hands and heart, despite her obvious concerns. You are my treasure and I am grateful you are my wife – THANK YOU!!

Immanuel was with me through the loving support of my family and friends. You attended to my needs, provided financial support, sent me words of encouragement, took time away from your own lives, and drove me to appointments. You were Immanuel to me!

In short, Immanuel kept His word and became God with us during this season of our lives.

Have there been moments of frustration? You betcha!

Are there challenges to be faced? Assuredly.

Although there exists several areas of uncertainty in our life, I am assured of one thing during this season – God is with us.

I do not know the personal joys and struggles you face. I am certain they are real, up close, and decidedly personal.

You most likely have many questions, some which appear to be unanswered.

Much like He has been for me, Immanuel – God with Us, is here for you as well.

I encourage you to take a moment to reflect and remember and invite Immanuel during this season of the year to be more than a lyric in a Christmas song.

Allow Him to be real to you as He was and is to me.

If you feel led to share how Immanuel has been God with you please do so in the comments.

On a more intimate note, for those of you who prayed for me (us) and became God with us in human form with your support and kindnesses extended – THANK YOU!

You lifted us when we needed to be lifted. You were critical in helping us discover a place called Hope.