Knecht the Dots

​Almost five years ago, I shared the story of David Knecht, a West Point classmate who suffered a horrifying injury while on a military exercise that left him partially paralyzed and blind in his right eye.  The name of that reveration was Glory. This week I was able to visit Dave and Annette in their home in Tampa, Florida.  

At the time of Dave’s accident, the Knecht’s had five young children.  Dave was relocated from California to Tampa’s brain trauma center. Annette moved with five young children to a city where she knew no one to somehow reestablish family life and care as much as possible for her recovering husband.  With no facilities for dependents, she often slept in her car. Children were not allowed inside the center.  Knowing Dave needed to see his kids and vice versa, Annette insisted on bringing them in and was arrested!  She and other suffering spouses were appalled at the lack of support and resources.  

So often, when we face an imbroglio it is easy to give up.  Annette refused to feel sorry for herself.  Instead of suing an unresponsive institution, she organized the hurting into an effective group committed to reform.   Now, each Saturday morning Annette volunteers to help those in rehab and meets with an ongoing support group.  They helped initiate a Fisher House that provides free lodging for as long as is needed for family members.  The Clarion Inn also provides rooms for people to stay.  Food and cell phone vouchers are available for dependents in need of assistance.  What was once a bleak situation is now an effective ministry of helping hands.
 
Meditation 
Proverbs 3:27—When it is in your power, don’t withhold good from the one to whom it is due.
 
Annette and David are people of grace.  This family of twelve draws upon God’s love, trusts Him to provide and thrives.  They are making a difference in Tampa for God’s glory.  How about you, are you so discouraged by difficult challenges that you feel like giving up?  Don’t! Trust the Lord to do you good.  He will bring you through the valley to the place He wants you.  And if you have opportunity and the power to help others—don’t hold back.  The child of God aflame in hope brings help to hearts who cannot cope!  
 
Inspiration
I don’t do big things.  I do small things with big love.—Mother Theresa 
 
©2009 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)