Brenda Nail DeLauder Columnist

  I woke up before the alarm sounded eagerly wanting to get onto my morning walk, before my busy day started. During my walks, particularly those early morning ones, I quietly chat with God, savoring alone time with Him. This particular morning I asked God “What do You have in store for me today?” Isn’t it funny how fast those answers come when we aren’t really expecting one? I managed to make it over the first big hill before being stopped by a neighbor. I admittedly sighed because I knew it was going to take more than just a minute of my time. I would soon however realize my walk wasn’t interrupted. Rather, it was enriched.

  At first we chatted about the weather and various kid activities, when I realized there were tears streaming down her face. I was reasonably sure the cloudy sky wasn’t worthy of tears, so I laid my hand on her arm, letting her know I was truly listening. For more than two months this military family had been without a paycheck, caused by a “paperwork glitch.” Military families are quite familiar with highs and lows, but sometimes the lows can be long and hard. She didn’t ask or seek anything more than my ear and soon we parted to get on with our schedules for the day.

  Even as I quickly finished my walk, my tiny little brain wheels were starting to turn. Again I was talking to Jesus saying “Well, You answered the first question of the day, now how about showing me the best way to help them.” I was chuckling by the time I arrived back at home, because again, the answers were coming. Things like milk, bread, eggs and cereal, in a house with kids, are essentials for every week. Our budget is tight, but an extra gallon of milk, or a loaf of bread added to the weekly grocery bill wouldn’t make a dent. I made a few calls to other neighbors, worrying at first as to what to say since I wanted to protect the family’s privacy, keeping their name anonymous. Again God took care of it. As soon as I said “one of our military families,” their reaction was very positive.

  By lunchtime the next day, the tears once again fell when they both answered the door. It wasn’t a lot, but hopefully enough to get them to the next paycheck. It didn’t hurt anyone’s bank account, but it made for big messy tearful smiles. Then she said “The Lord continues to amaze us. He does such great things for us,  providing for our every need.”  I couldn’t agree more, because we were equally blessed to be able to help out not only our neighbor, but a soldier along with his family, who serves our country with pride and honor, never complaining, simply accepting what comes.

  This morning I flipped open my devotional to find the scripture verse for the day was Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us. We are glad.” I felt a sudden burst of joy, making me laugh out loud. We are indeed glad because we have such an amazing God taking care of us. I pulled out my Bible and read all of Psalm 126 and immediately starting humming *“Bringing in the Sheaves.” No doubt Knowles Shaw took this scripture to heart when he penned this song. “Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve; waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.” Aren’t we glad when the Lord calls on us to bring in the sheaves?

  Brenda Nail DeLauder is a native of Henry County. Her heart remains in her hometown.