Ten years ago on July 16, 1999 John F. Kennedy Jr. died in a plane crash along with his wife and sister-in-law. Most of us woke up on July 17th to the sad news that his plane was missing and there was a search being conducted by the Coast Guard, Navy, and Army. In a CNN news conference, the question was asked, "If John F. Kennedy Jr. was not famous, would we be using our military boats and helicopters to search for him?" The answer was, "A matter of fact, we are using an Army helicopter as we speak to rescue a climber from Mt. Hood, Oregon."
That climber was Jon R. Boulware.
"Be still and know that I am God." This was a commandment to Moses before God parted the Red Sea. Before Jon had his accident, he had a hard time being still. Everything changed on July 17th. While laying at 10,000 feet on a cold mountain, Jon realized that everything he put importance in did not matter. As Jon lay in the snow with life threatening injuries, the only thought he had was sadness that he would not see his family, but peace that he would see his God. Jon did not wish he could write another insurance policy, drive an expensive car, or live in luxury. He only wished to see his unborn child (Michelle) and have more time with his four year old daughter (Rachel), and his wife. Thankfully, God granted that wish.
God worked in amazing ways after Jon's accident, but one of the biggest changes to come out of that accident was the transformation of Jon. Jon realized that he could go on vacation without checking into the office every day. Jon valued his free time more, and planned quality time with his family. Jon learned a lesson that most don't learn, that is to write a life story that matters. Businesses rise and fall. Houses can be knocked down. Your life is really defined by what you leave behind in the hearts of those around you.
When the Israelites were saved after crossing the Red Sea, they praised God by singing:
"The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; this my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." Exodus 15:1,2
In Jon's home office there is a picture that was taken of the snow covered mountain moments before Jon was hit by a rock that broke six ribs, punctured a lung, collapsed the other lung, and broke his clavicle. Next to that picture is this verse:
I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, He saved me. Psalm 116:1,2 & 5,6
God knew I would need my strong and loving husband for a time such as this. I used to often think about what life would be like if I had lost him. Then years passed and I started taking for granted the gift of life. Ten years later, we are on the mountain again, but this time it is me who is calling for more time with my girls, but praising God for the peace he has given. I look to that same verse in Psalm, and I know that the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. He has already turned His ear to me, and I praise Him for saving me.
Sandy
