It's The Small Things In A Small World That Matter

I tell junior high and high school students (even college and young adults for that matter) that it's a big ole world out there and not to settle for the norms of living in their bubbles. I mean it when I say it, there is SO much out there we can do with our lives that we often miss out on because we never leave home. However, the balance to that is the world is only big to us, to God, it's exceptionally small. I'm about to tell you about a small example of this that happened just recently. 

There are few things (by things I mean possessions or materials) I own that truly matter to me. I don't know why, but if I totaled my truck, lost my phone, or had a favorite gun stolen, I'd still sleep 8 hours that night. I do have a list of a few small items with huge meaning to me and my life. One of the most meaningful is my 101st Airborne Division Coin I was given in Afghanistan the day after I was injured. Since that day it has been 'on me' in some fashion; from Hawaii to Cuba, the ocean or the mountains, and even on my wedding day that coin has been with me. 

There are tons of reasons I carry this and love it so much. For starters, I have no pride about my military service personally, with the exception of pride for the fact I got to serve with the 101st Airborne Division in the bloodiest year of OEF. I served with 10 guys from (or attached to) my company that are no longer here and I take very seriously the fact it's now my job to live a life worthy of their sacrifice. It's also a reminder, that there are causes Bigger than you or me and the most fulfilling life is one found living for a transcendent cause. 

Well the other day, when I got home after being out all day, I realized my coin was gone. I checked all pockets again, both cars, and the house. Nothing. I told Danielle it was gone and that I guess it was time to say goodbye. There was no way we could retrace our steps and in 12 hours we were leaving for a 8 day trip. This was really it. 

As I was sitting on the porch that evening reading, Dani came out smiling from ear to ear and said "I have something for you to read." It was a Facebook message from the manager at Newks that said, "I have your coin, I know what that means to you, so it'll be on me until I see you again." I was amazed because earlier that day this same guy would not allow us to pay for our meal. After we gave the young lady at Newks our order, he walked up and said, "This one's on me, thank you for everything you do." Danielle and I spent that meal trying to figure out if he knew us from something in the news related to the Foundation, or if he could just tell by my appearance that I was a veteran. We said thanks on the way out as we left, not realizing I was leaving more than appreciation. 

That evening when I met Caleb, a Clinton resident that lives 10 minutes from Down Range, he informed me that he is a huge Tim Tebow fan and was at the fundraiser in April. He also told me he has brothers that have gone overseas and know what a unit coin means to a soldier. Before leaving, I gave him a coin he could keep, one that states, "Onward Christian Soldier" and made sure he knew how much I appreciated all he had done that day. 

That was almost a month ago and I cannot get past how crazy the events of that day were. No coincidence I know, but the bigger picture for me has nothing to do with a coin. Rather, it has everything to do with how in control God is of every detail of life. We acknowledge that He created the universe, but seem to forget He is still at work here on earth. Does He care about a Division Coin? Probably not, but He cares about me and uses my life and the things in it (a coin) to draw others close to Him. 

Today, I look at that coin a little different. It still reminds me of the heroes I knew that are no longer here and the obligation I have to love and live for them. But now, more than ever, I am reminded of how much God can work in small details of this life, if I'll stop getting in His way.