I received a coin

He listened intently as I shared my story. He stepped back into time with me and was there in that moment.

I looked at him as I finished sharing. His eyes were filled with emotion. Blinking away tears he said, “You did it. You didn’t hesitate. You didn’t freeze up. You were able to defend yourself. In my military experience, I’ve seen some who shut down in the face of danger. But you… you performed, and your training saved your life. I’m very proud of you.”

Now my eyes were welling. My dear friend, a Lieutenant Colonel, stuck out his hand to shake mine. That’s when I saw that he was holding something.

“It is with great honor that I give to you my personal coin. May it remind you of your strength and God-given ability.”

I went to take it from his hand, but apparently there is a proper way to transfer ownership of the coin…by shaking hands and receiving. I placed my hand in his and the coin rested in my palm.

I felt underserving of such an accolade. Shouldn’t this be saved for someone honorable? But then, that familiar whisper…that voice of old…that belongs to The One and Only. “Daughter, I’m pleased with you. Allow me lavish on you. Open your heart and receive with gratefulness.”

Receiving comes from a place of humility and reveals our humbleness. Most important, humility occludes pride.

And so I received this honorable gift.

What then, do you need to receive today? Would you join me this day in being aware of what that is? Take notice of what God wants you to receive. Let’s be on watch together and then share.

I believe it is more difficult to receive from another, then to give.