Psalms 31:2-5 Incline thy ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be thou a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! Yea, thou art my rock and my fortress; for thy name’s sake lead me and guide me, Into thy hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

I pulled into the parking lot of a local Wal-Mart and I saw a fire engine parked out front. Excitement at Wal-Mart before 8:00 AM do I want to go in or not, I thought. I make it a quick in and out. Coming out of the store, as I went in, were two uniformed police officers carrying wrapped Christmas gifts. Behind them came two women pushing a cart full to the brim, giggling and talking about how surprised the kids will be come Christmas morning. Once inside, I saw more cops and firefighters mingling and laughing with Santa. I could have kicked myself no camera, oh wait I had my phone, it has a camera but I refrained.

I was headed to the area I needed to go to and that’s when I see this big guy, a big Mankato City Police Officer wearing a Santa hat, pushing a cart with three 8 to 10 year-old girls hanging on to the side of the cart walking at a good pace to keep up. He asked, “What color does your dad like?” The girls all started talking at once. They were so excited and eager to be out on this big shopping adventure and with a man in a uniform no less. They headed off to the flannel pants display. The girls were still all talking and pointing. I wanted to be one of those kids.

Over the last few weeks, we have all seen the news showing riots, demonstrations and more. Today, with no TV cameras in sight, I witnessed the true colors of our men and women in uniform who protect us 24/7 365 days a year. I bet most of them were off duty as well, while taking kids on a shopping spree. Thank you for shinning the light of love today for some, but not enough, to see.

Thank you, Lord, for our police and firefighters, Keep them safe as they work to keep us safe.