On the Fourth of July, I had the privilege of visiting the Wounded Warrior Unit at Bethesda Naval Hospital. It was an honor to meet these heroes and their families. Chaplain (Lt Col) Johnston and I handed out the Military Bible to each of them and we prayed for them and their families.
Many of these Marines had devastating injuries. Most of which were loss of limbs. While pausing outside one of the rooms, I noticed a sign overhead in the hallway, “You have come 80 feet”. I found out that the hospital staff had put it up along with several others to encourage these warriors in their quest to adjust to the use of prosthetic limbs in the rehabilitation process. Life had been reduced to the victory of going 80 feet.
I was stunned by these words. Being thankful for walking 80 feet does not even cross my mind but for these precious men it means the road to recovering their lives.
I want to be thankful every day for many things. In light of the difficulty these men now face my challenges are almost nonexistent. The scripture is clear, be thankful!
It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High
– Psalm 92.1