Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV) “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore
My family had come together to meet our newborn baby Alison I just brought home to join her sisters Amy and Kim. I was down in the rec. room taking care of the baby when I heard thumping. I turned to see my 2 year old Kim bouncing down the steps. As I looked up, she took one more bouncing step. Suddenly, she stopped with a strange look on her face.
You know that feeling when you just know immediately that something is terribly, terribly wrong? I ran over to her. She couldn’t talk. Her face was turning red. I didn’t even have time to call out for help. I just grabbed her off her feet. Turned her around and performed the Heimlich Maneuver. At that point I screamed for help as out popped something from Kim’s mouth.
We don’t always realize how God’s hand is working in our lives. I had only learned about the Heimlich Maneuver a few days before giving birth to Alison. It was relatively new technique and gaining in popularity when I happened to see the chart in the doctor’s office. What a blessing! I never even had experience practicing it. I just did it.
How does this relate to our Christian life? In Psallm 121 7-8, we are told that God is always watching over our lives. This verse reminds us to trust that God’s watchful care will be with us always. Was seeing that Heimlich poster coincidental I think not. It was a God-incidence.
Epilogue: I was emotionally spent and fell to my knees crying and hugging Kim as the family surrounded us asking what happened. She was choking on a hard candy she apparently found in a gift basket that was sent to the house.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for watching over us always. Thank you for Your loving protection even when I am unaware. Thank you for helping to keep my loved ones safe. Amen.
