Thanks

by Wendy
(Colorado)

As 2010 begins, I reflect on my journey through 2009. Each chapter of 2009 was filled with family, friends, relationships, joy, sorrow, laughter and tears. I think about all the people that God used in 2009 to help me grow, encourage me when I was discouraged and to be there just at the right time with a smile and a hug. Did I remember to thank all of them?

A friend of mine sent me a story called "Who Packed Your Parachute." The story talks about a US Navy fighter pilot. After many missions, the pilot had to eject from his plane after it was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. He ejected and parachuted into enemy lines. He was captured and spent several years in a communist prison. Years later, the retired fighter pilot was eating dinner at a local restaurant with his wife. A man walked over to his table. "You're that fighter pilot! You flew jet fighters for the Kitty Hawk. You were shot down! The man said. "How in the world did you know that?" the retired pilot inquired. "I packed your parachute," the man said. The pilot thanked him and shook his hand. He told the man if it wasn't for him that he wouldn't be alive today.

The retired pilot went home that evening and thought about the man. Did he ever stop to talk to this sailor that spent hours carefully packing each chute for men he didn't know?

This story made me think about how many times I've had people touch my life. Did I take the time to say thank you?

What kind of parachute do you need today? Your parachute can be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.

We all have times in our lives that we need people to help us make it though a day or even a moment that we just don't think we can go on. Who in your life has packed your parachute? Always remember to take the time to recognize the people that God brings into your life. It can be only for a moment or it can be for a lifetime. God gives us the gift of gratitude to share with all the people that make a difference in our lives.

Take the time to recognize all those people who pack your parachute.