Small Miracles Vol. V

I just discovered Christian singer/songwriter Wayne Watson. The words of one song of his in particular, brought me close to tears, as I listened. The song is “Grace.”

“Grace keeps giving me things I don't deserve
Mercy keeps withholding things I do
Words that seldom fail me
Leave me looking for the words
To express my gratitude.”

The first two lines, in my opinion, sum up very nicely the relationship between God and His creation, we human beings. He graciously gives. We take. We screw up. He is merciful.  It is so ironic how words placed in a certain sequence can make such a profound difference in one’s life. That is one of the gifts of God. Man can clone all he wants to, but he will never be able to clone human emotions. That ability/capability is what separates God from his imitators. This song from Mr. Watson could be a life changing moment for me, as it reinforces the majesty, grace, and mercy of God. I needed that reminder.

I know my failing is that I have to watch my tongue. It is very facile at coming up with derogatory names for those who offend, especially the species known as politicians. I get very upset at their ingratitude in taking for granted the grace and mercy of God, in allowing them to rule. That does not mean that I will become “kinder, gentler” toward the ones who are intent on destroying this country, that God allowed to be created. As a matter of fact, I am going to emulate Jesus in the temple – more than ever!  President Obama promised to “call out” those who were questioning his health care plan. I am going to call out any politicians who attempt to do evil to God’s people!

This week has been a week of finding nuggets of God’s grace for which we do need to express our gratitude. It warmed my heart when I heard about the incident in baseball where pitcher Armando Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce, collided at the intersection of a perfect game. Mr. Galarraga lost. At 6’4” Mr. Galarraga could have “called out” umpire Joyce, probably tossed him as far as the heavens touch the earth. He did not. “Grace” and “gracious” describe the actions of both men. Mr. Joyce realized his error and instead of puffing out his chest, swollen with his authority as an umpire, he admitted his mistake in a very humble manner. Mr. Galarraga responded in kind. Guess what? From now on, when someone brings up the perfect game in baseball, it is the one that was not called, that will be at the “top of the batting order.”

Mr. Joyce and Mr. Galarraga, accept my gratitude for your stellar example of grace.  Politicians, corporate leaders, man on the street, little league players, meet the “celebrities” that you can proudly emulate. In these days of inflated salaries and correspondingly inflated egos, we are all blessed to be living witnesses to such graciousness. If I believed in cloning, I would be grateful to have these men cloned.

Another nugget that was forwarded to me was a video with Patrick Henry Hughes . I sat watching the video with my mouth open, only closing it when I realized that it had been open for about two minutes.  God’s grace gave what genes could not complete. The name Patrick Henry should have been my first clue that this was going to be a video about a person who would leave a mark on this world. Patrick’s father said that Patrick is his hero, and he is.

In my book, that entire family is made up of heroes. The father and mother are heroes for remaining together, and raising a family in this day and age when a husband or wife, is returned to the “divorce store” for a refund or replacement as easily as a toaster. The siblings are heroes for having to sometimes play second fiddle to the heroic Patrick, as he mastered the piano and trumpet.  When I grow up, past my fantasy age of 23, I want to be like Patrick, in being able to tickle those ivories! In the meantime, I could only visit his Website and gawk!

My friends must not have been satisfied to have my tear ducks working overtime, they kept the nuggets coming.  This story of baby Jonathan further reawakened my sense of God’s infinite grace and mercy, in allowing us, mere mortals, to unravel some of his mysteries. God allowed the invention of the cochlear implant. I know that there is controversy about the use of this device, but I see it as a blessing, especially when I viewed that bond between Mom and son – priceless.

This volume of small miracles is about life, living and hearing, but I have to pay tribute to the passing of John Wooden, who epitomized “grace” and “graciousness.” I heard about the passing of Coach Wooden, and I listened to the news with a smile on my face, instead of tears. It was a smile of “well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Coach Wooden died at 99 years, disproving the theory that only the “good” die young.  I read about Coach Wooden’s life and it is the songbook of a good American life.

His life reminded me of that of my favorite actor, Jimmy Stewart. They were both Vets. They led by example. They were unassuming. They were winners, despite their modesty. They loved. They lived. They contributed to all of our lives. They will be forever missed. I still think of Jimmy Stewart, not only at Christmas time, when the season is not the Christmas season unless I play my DVD of “It’s A Wonderful Life," but at least two or three other times in the year.

Mr. Watson, thank you for your song “Grace,” that today awakened a spirit of gratitude in me, that as tough as the times are, “grace keeps giving me things I don't deserve, and mercy keeps withholding things I do.” I played your song the entire time that I was writing this article.

I am blessed to live in the US, with the caliber of the folks I just discussed. Thank you, God, for giving me “the words to express my gratitude.”