A Moment

It is not often that I write two 'Pause' (as I refer to them) blogs so close together. Usually something will happen or I'll find a thought sitting in the back of my mind that won't seem to leave me until I write.

What I am writing today has been on my mind since I opened an email late last night. It has stayed with me throughout the day and while I am writing about it now, I know that this writing will not be something that will ease my mind. At the same time, it is something that needs to be shared if only for my belief in the power of prayer and my petition to you to join me in prayer. Even if you are angry with God- or don't believe- just take this moment. Please.

Last night I got the following forwarded email from a dear friend. Her friend's son is Avery.

Today, February 27, 2011, around noon is when this all started. Avery was eating a hot dog and starting choking. We called 911 and ran two houses over to grab our neighbor - an off-duty Dodge county sherriff. He and his wife helped us out tremendously!

We were transported to Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital and they wanted to have flight for life take Avery to Children's Hospital. Flight was unavailable, so we came by ambulance.

After being here for a while, we finally got to talk to a doctor and we were informed that Avery actually had no heartbeat for about 40 minutes. Lots of other little details as well, but.... So as of the point of writing this (9:10pm), he is still unresponsive. His pupils do not dilate and he does not respond to any stimulus. He is on a ventilator that is breathing for him.

After reading the email I immediately began to pray- I dropped to my knees and prayed. I thought of my own children, how often they have eaten hot-dogs, laughing...

Today I read more information about Avery. He is given a 30% chance of survival and if he comes through he will be a 'totally different child'. I looked at the picture of the sweet little boy (probably about 2 or 3) and I broke down in tears.

A moment.

One moment that has changed their lives forever.

And the sad thing is there is no happy ending in all of this. I sat talking with my husband about sweet Avery and we prayed for him because we believe his sweet soul is in-tact. We prayed more for his family and those who love him- those who had dreams for him- those who are at this moment (like I) at a lack for words.

Why?

Why do moments like this happen?

And that is a question I do not have the answer for.

These moments.

Moments that many of us here have had- a moment that has changed our lives- forever.

And so what can I do? What can you do? And the first thing that comes to mind is pray.

Pray.

Pray for a miracle.

And after the miracle of restoring Avery to the little boy with the sunny smile and bright eyes- Pray for the miracle that his family would feel God's grace through this- that they would feel His peace- that they would know His love.

Oh Avery.

Just a moment and your life has changed.

And although we will never meet and I will probably never even know your family-

this moment- your story-has changed me.

Made me pause.

Please pause with me and join me in prayer.

Dear God,

I know that you hold a sweet special soul in your hands right now. A boy that you sent in this world to change it. A boy that brought smiles and joy to his family.

I do not know what your will is for Avery and his future but I pray that he would feel your love and know you. I pray that his family would look to you for comfort- would feel your grace and your love. Please let them feel you in those quiet moments when they feel empty and alone and confused. Please let them feel your hands upon them. Please let them feel you as you weep with them. For you know their pain more than anyone else.

Oh God bless them.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen.