REFLECTIONS

Wounds of Life

Only a year earlier David addressed the same gathering of men as a vibrant 40-year-old veteran of the Iraq War. But as he approached the podium this time his right arm hung limply at his side, and after each step his foot dragged heavily behind. Wounds of life changed everything since he last told his story. Now, David needed to finish it.

The men seated before him came from far and wide. But no matter the distance traveled everyone came with a story. They carried stories of separations unreconciled, of bitterness not forgiven, of losses unrecovered, and of wounds unattended. Some carried feelings of grief and some laden with shame. Each one came with a story just their own and a need for it to be attended. David was not the only one; they all came in need of someone who would listen, who would understand, who needed to hear. And while all the stories were different, they had a common foundation—wounds of life unattended.

David’s voice quivered and tears filled his eyes while he relived the stroke that struck down the man that flames of war could not. He told how it changed his life and what his future might hold. He applauded his Lord for the love he received; and he committed his life to whatever the Lord’s plan for him might be. He was a soldier after all.

We all bear pains in life that we don’t know how to relieve. So, wounds go unattended; unattended at least until God hears our cries and provides ears to listen, to understand, and that need to hear. The wounds of life may never cease to be, but the love of God shines like the sun through those He sends to listen.

And spirits are healed.

“You are the light of the world,”

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org

Click here for Printer Friendly Version