Part 2 of 2… some of the logistical details are unclear, but the core and moral of the story stand.
Grace. Stunning. Abundant. It is that unmerited gift of G_d that gives us EVERYTHING we need to be the people He has ever intended us to be. The Bible tries to use language, but it always seems to fall short. Like the writers know the truth in their spirit, but can’t find the words: Taste and see… He gives more Grace… He sings over us with rejoicing… I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation says Paul (what?) “Abundant grace.” … “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly.” On and on and on… 170 times in the Bible.
Grace is that empowering that comes as the hammer falls on our lives. G_d steps into that deep part of us and pulls the new creation we are to the forefront. And, as we yield to His work, lives get changed, eternity gets different, and G_d gets the glory He is so gloriously due. The story that follows is a Grace-Fest of inestimable value….
From part 1:
Soldiers! Halt! Form up for inspection! Pockets first, then canteens, web-gear and packs! Instinctively, the private peels off and starts preparing for inspection…
Oh crap! “What am I gonna do with that granola bar in my pocket?!?!”
Part 2: oh yeah… Private is a Christian.
“Private!” “Yes Sergeant!” Private’s throat is tight, his palms are sweating, and oh does he feel nauseated even though there is almost nothing in his stomach… “Private, you do speak the English language, do you not? Did I not tell you to stow your food in your pack?” says the Sergeant. Before the private can even begin to answer, the sergeant begins asking questions faster than can even be heard by a civilian. They are even coming too rapidly for the well-tuned ear of a soldier-in-training. But the meaning is clear: “Private, I hope you also have some jam in your pockets. Because, I am about to make you toast! You have disobeyed a lawful order of a non-commisioned officer of the United States Army. And you, soldier, are in deep yogurt. Do NOT pass go, Do NOT collect $200, you just might be going to jail for the night. At the very least, I am going to dock your pay, and send you back for a few extra weeks of rest and relaxation in our kinder-gentler Army! Oh, by the way, would you like to finish that granola bar soldier? You don’t look so hungry any more!”
Then it happens. Wait for it reader. It’s a thing of beauty.
Sergeant says, “private, do you have anything to say… boy?” NOW! HAMMER BLOW! Oh man! This is just so cool! That hammer strike has just drawn out the first true edge in this boy. Forget it… Never again will this warrior be called a boy by the sergeant (nor should he by any of us). Standing in front of his buddies, fully dressed-down, he says, “Yes sergeant. I took the granola bar. I disobeyed and hid it in my pocket. I take full responsibility for my actions. Hooah!” OH MY GOSH! GRACE! THIS IS GRACE! The boy, who wouldn’t even be responsible to show up for dinner three months ago, becomes empowered to admit his own faults in front of his friends and take responsibility for his failure.
THEN IT GETS BETTER!!! ENTER MERCY. The sergeant stops in his tracks, goes silent for a moment, and says the absolutely opposite of anything anyone expected, “very well private. Thank you. See me in the platoon office tomorrow after PT. FALL IN!”
But He gives more Grace….
So, private sleeps not-so-well, get’s up, and goes through his exercise period with the platoon. His buddies are sure he is in for a major clock-cleaning in a few minutes. They don’t even give him a hard time. Why beat a man that is down?
He goes into the office. The thoughts come quickly, “Might as well get this over with! Wonder what the food is like in the brig… Hope he doesn’t dock too much of my pay… PLEASE don’t make boot-camp longer than it already is!”
Good morning Specialist. What? says Private. There is no one else in the room…. Sergeant says, “I said good morning Specialist. You do still have adequate hearing soldier. Do you not?” “Uh, yeah, I mean YES SERGEANT!” Sergeant says, “Calm down soldier. We are A-OK. But, I need to deal with the issue at hand. So, I need you to do me a favor… I need a platoon leader. I need a man that can show those boys how to take responsibility for their actions both on and off duty. Will you do that for me Specialist?
“You are OK with me addressing you by your new rank, aren’t you soldier? I’ve already put the promotion paperwork into the computer, and Lieutenant signed it last night. You should see the pay raise by next month. Is that fast enough for you Mr. Hell Hounds Platoon Leader?” “Oh, one last thing. One suggestion. No more granola bars in your pocket Specialist. Do I make myself clear?” Newly-promoted Specialist pulls up straight. Stands tall. Shoulders back. Jaw set, eyes a-glint and barks, “Hooah! Sergeant. Clear as a church bell on Sunday!” “Good,” says sergeant. “Please go make good things happen in my platoon. And if you have ANY questions, I am available 24/7 to assist you. Now will you PLEASE get out of my office Specialist! I am a very busy man.”
Specialist turns crisply, and leaves the room more a new man than he can currently imagine. Sergeant takes one moment to smile quietly and say a prayer for his new platoon leader. Oh how he loves making boys into men…
Grace.
see: 1 of 2: Grace-driven-inflection-points.html
Yep – that's grace all right! It's just like Jesus to take our mistakes and turn them into turning points for growth!