“Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:26 ESV
Today, January 18, is a red-letter day for us. A red-letter day is one that is very memorable. We mark our calendars and do all sorts of things to remember such a day because of its significance. So, what is it about today that brings Pam and me to a place of personal celebration each year?
19 years ago Pam would not have called that Thursday a red-letter day because “those days ” are typically associated with wonderful milestones, events, and happenings…and there was nothing wonderful about the phone call she received letting her know that I had experienced a very serious accident. As she traveled the 130 or so miles in route to a south Alabama hospital, she did not know if I would survive until she could get there. Details were running together, and at the time, she would have said it was a black-letter day.
We can’t live long without water, yet water is the deadliest most destructive thing on the planet. How can one word represent two such startlingly opposite situations? Memories are like that. Fond comforting happy thoughts, sad longings for that which has passed, or perhaps grief and heartbreak with each remembrance…all considered a “memory”.
I don’t remember much about January 18, 2007. Pam remembers a lot about that day and volumes about the following weeks. The news she had received was not good news. I have no memory of anything during the following weeks except dreams that I’ve never forgotten.
It goes against human consciousness to believe that a particular memory can be both bad and good. But as we look back through it all, a common thread is clearly found throughout those days. God’s grace, goodness, kindness, and mercy were (and are) ever present. His presence turned black-letter days into red-letter days.
So why is such a terrible day from 19 years ago always a red-letter day? I am here! We are here! We are together! For the rest of the story, read here.
My chauffeur continues to spoil me. I hope she does not get a more lucrative job offer and move on. It’s hard to find good reliable people these days!
The term red-letter day is a well understood broad figure of speech used in many places today. It dates however, back to ancient Roman times when significant dates began to be written with red ink on calendars and in other writings to mark holy days, celebrations, and remembrances, particularly in religious/church circles. The red was very meaningful. A source I read stated that Jesus’ words were first printed in red in Bibles around 1900.
After a light rain during the night and the presence of a thin early fog, yesterday morning offered a beautiful beginning as it adorned the gift of another winter day. I cannot presently travel long distances, but what a blessing to only need to maneuver a few feet to a window to be given such a presentation! I do believe I will attempt to move a little further shortly and get some sunshine on my shoulders.
We hope you choose to go ahead and open your gift today! Wishing you some red-letter days this week!
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 ESV
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
It was after reading your story and y’all’s acknowledgment of God’s tender mercy throughout it all was the reason I signed up for your emails several years ago
Thank you Gail. We are truly grateful you found us and that you did sign up. We hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I love that you’re here to provide the testimony to God’s Grace. Continued peace and healing with your knee.That’s a beautiful picture from your window.
Thank you Rita. It may be mostly pictures from the windows for a little while but I’m thankful for the beauty just outside the windows. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Happy Red Letter day — and it is. I can see why both good and bad but the GOOD is that you are here, you have survived and yes, thrived despite the challenges. And for that, I am most grateful. Thank you for sharing this. It’s open, beautiful and so honest. I hope today is wonderful for you all. (off to read the full story.) Later: I just did. Wow. Thank you for sharing this and yes, a definite red letter day. I’m so grateful for you both– love, prayer, faith and determination.
Thank you Jeanie. Your thoughts are very encouraging. It’s a cold morning here but with bright sunshine. The gift of another day. We wish for you a peaceful and pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
So thankful you can look back and see the Lord’s faithfulness through a terrible storm in your lives. You are a miracle!
Thank you Rachel. We do try to remember the challenging times in light of God’s Grace and faithfulness. Miracle, absolutely. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Good Morning Pam and Butch. I have always said God puts people in our path for a reason. This is certainly true for you. Each and every person that was in your life beginning from the accident to recovery were there by God’s grace. Not only did God put the right people in your path he also put you in their path to give wisdom, comfort and love. definitely a red letter day. hugs. Kris
Thank you Kris. We think you hit the key word for everyday living…Grace. Circumstances and people don’t happen in our lives by accident. That’s really evident as we look back on situations. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Thank you for sharing your “red-letter day” testimony and reminding me that God’s Grace is always, always, always (a deep inhale & exhale ☺️)—sufficient!
Thank you Vivian. I’m constantly in need of being reminded of amazing Grace. Looking backwards clearly demonstrates such sufficiency. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
I went back to read this story, one which I did not know of. Grateful that you and Pam are here to celebrate this as a Red Letter Day, years later. Life is fragile, and we all need to live in the moment. Continue to love each other deeply and to embrace the life you two share together. Cheers to the future!
Thank you Sarah for precious words and great advice. We are glad you read the story. We hope you have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
So thankful for you both. It is good to pause and remember Red Letter Days as well as the following days so full of God’s grace, His miracles, His peace and His love. Your touching testimony and your beautiful love for one another, your beautiful family, your community, and the nature around you always so admirably presented always warms my heart and fills me with gratitude.
Continued warm wishes to you all and prayers of a full and speedy recovery for Butch. May this week find you happy and healthy…God Bless!
We too are having a cold Sunday morning, but…the sun is shinning…it’s nice. It is odd looking out to see our yard of green grass and no snow though…
Thank you Sue. Pausing and remembering are essential to maintaining gratefulness. I saw a report from ski resorts and some places in Colorado that have the lowest snowpack ever for mid January. Yet it was snowing in south Alabama and the Florida panhandle this morning. Crazy weather. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
We are so very thankful that you survived, recovered nicely and that you share your testimony to so many! You both give God the glory! We enjoy your posts and the message within. God is truly gracious to us all. I don’t see how anyone could survive this world without having God in their life. Enjoy your week. Your window view is outstanding! Clara ❤️
Thank you Clara. We are truly blessed beyond measure. I’ve been at the window again. I spotted two woodpeckers that would make a nice photo but of course by the time I hobbled on a walker for a camera they were gone. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Thank y’all for sharing your incredible story!!! I am a follower of Every Day Living,which I really enjoy. So many lessons learned from your story. To totally trust! To be very humble! Much love and many prayers for you both & all of your loved ones🙏🏻💕
Thank you Mary and thank you for your prayers. I always struggle with being impatient, thinking results need to come quicker than they usually do. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
From black to red – it’s a miracle indeed. I clicked back to the original full story and remembered reading it before – but what a great reminder of God’s presence and the blessing of finding true love here on earth!
Thank you Leslie Anne. I have to constantly reflect back on a lot of things to keep me grateful and focused. Too easy to forget and become a complainer. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I know that Pam is a wonderful nurse and chauffeur for you, Butch. I am happy that you’re both here for a red letter day and now I’m off to read the rest of the story…..
God bless both of you!
Thank you Kitty. Yes, Pam is taking good care and I’m too fearful not to behave. It’s cold here and I wouldn’t want to be put out. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
I just finished the story and cried through it with both sad tears and tears of joy! God was certainly not ready for you at that time, Butch, because He knew the good that would come out of your black letter to red letter day. Praise be to Our Lord and Savior. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks again Kitty. We are so glad you were able to take the time to read the older post.
Blessings
Butch and Pam
What a journey! And God continues to use your testimony for his mercy and glory to show a God of such love that He worked even in the smallest details of your journey. Through your lives and writings you both continue to be a blessing.
Thank you Janice. So good to hear from you. Isn’t it amazing that small details can have huge and eternal impact! Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
This is so good, “God’s grace, goodness, kindness, and mercy were (and are) ever present. His presence turned black-letter days into red-letter days.”
Thank you Mary. I am more and more amazed by amazing Grace. Just keeps getting better. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
I didn’t know that history about red letters Butch, that was most informative!
Yes, God’s grace abounds & you’re right we can have memories of both joy & sadness in the same moment of time.
Glad you’re on the mend. 😊
Blessings to both you & Pam, Jennifer
Just read your experience Pam & Butch, what an amazing God we have!
Pam your experience of the accident instantly transported me back to my late husband Ed’s hospital bedside, where sadly our outcome was very different to yours. As you may know he was called home after only 12 weeks of diagnosis & brain surgery for the brain tumour.
And Butch as your perspective unfolded it took me back to my Heaven experience, when my heart stopped after giving birth to my only son Benjamin who was stillborn. Where God told me, “it wasn’t my time yet but to go & tell His people to get ready for He was coming again soon”…
I view every year since a bonus year.
What a wonderful testimony you both have of God’s provision & loving kindness during that time & since. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Thanks again Jennifer. So glad you read the story. You’ve been there and no doubt understand. Thanks for sharing your experiences. We certainly are not in charge of outcomes. Blessings
Butch and Pam
Thank you Jennifer. We’ve always used the phrase red-letter day and were talking about today being one for us but I hadn’t thought about the origin. I decided to read a little about it. Hope those fires have settled down. Have a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
Faith, prayer and God’s love got both of you through a real nightmare. It truly is a miracle that Butch survived. The strong love that the two of you share for each other helped as well.
Thank you Karen. Nightmare is a good description. We have a number of friends and acquaintances going through various difficult situations right now. Life is hard, God is good. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Your accident was the first story I read when I discovered everydayliving. And such an amazing story of devotion, faith love, and God’s healing power it was. So many, many stories since then where you and Pam have shown us the beauty all around us and graciously shared your faith and your family with us through good times and bad. You all have prayed for me during rough times, and I consider you good friends. The days are getting longer, spring is coming, and soon you will be back on your walkabouts showing us the beauty all around you. Take care my friend, do your PT, and listen to your nurse!
Thank you Roxanne. I didn’t remember that the story was your first visit to our site. You’ve probably told us, but like knees and backs, areas in the brain wear out too bringing on that common phrase “I forgot about that “. Almost a month now since days began to lengthen. I’m doing the physical torture but not enjoying. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Prayers and Blessings always Butch…and Pam. I know your story well and am so glad for God’s Grace and Mercy as He reminds us of Roman 8:28…And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Heal quickly my friend… Love in Christ to you and Pam.
Thank you Kari. There’s no such thing as a bad Bible verse but isn’t that Romans 8 something else! Healing will be slower than my impatient self will deal with very well but I need to remember I’m not in charge. Have a pleasant week!
Butch and Pam
It is a Red Letter Day! You are here! Hallelujah! I remember this story. And I am still so thankful that you survived. Another hallelujah!
I am glad you have a beautiful chauffeur. I am happy to report I am driving again! I have my independence back.
Continued prayers for your speedy recovery. You got this!
Thank you Nancy. Driving again, that’s another milestone, a red-letter day too. I appreciate the prayers. Even when I can drive again maybe I won’t mention it for a while to the chauffeur. Have a great week!
Butch and Pam
Truly a red letter day! Thank God for all the miracles involved in your recovery. I have read your story before, but it was meaningful to read it again. Your posts continue to bless me as I am sure they do for others as well. Thanks for again sharing your story of faith and the great live of our Lord.
Thank you Darlene. I’m thankful you took time to read the story again. A lot of our readers are newer and unaware and saw it for the first time. We hope you enjoy a wonderful week!
Butch and Pam
I wish I could wiggle my nose and make everything right. When reading Leviticus recently it was Gods words regarding the right side that I can say that right now my all knowing God is making everything right. Psalms 91 brought me through Covid without a single doubt or worry. Praise God for David’s faith and writings. I reread the old post and sat here crying even when knowing you would recover to have knee surgery. Sweet Pam is an angel nurse in Everyday Living.
Thank you Alice. Everything won’t be right in this life but certainly all will be right in the next for those that know and follow Christ. I need to have a look at Psalm 91. Oh yes, the angel nurse, everybody needs one. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
This incredible story of God’s grace and mercy brings back so many memories of those worrisome days and weeks. I remember many of us signing a (Gaston) shirt to be taken to the hospital for Butch. And our entire class was praying consistently for God to spare your life.
May God continue to bless you, Pam and your sweet family.
Thank you Gina. Maybe the Lord will allow us to be around a little longer and we can attend a 60th reunion. I remember the shirt. We had so many prayers and encouragers during that time. Have a blessed week!
Butch and Pam
Oh my goodness! I read the story and what an terrible ordeal that must have been. But Butch, I’m so glad that you remember so little of it and that you are here with us today. That truly does make it a red letter day!! Yes, that chauffeur is a pretty special lady and I am so glad that your knee is on the mend. The pictures are perfect from your window. Wishing you both a wonderful week!
Thank you Kim. Sometimes not being conscious and aware of anything is a gift of Grace also. I truly missed many days of pain no doubt. The chauffeur has not yet threatened to leave me anywhere without a way home so I think I’m behaving fairly well. Hope you’re having a great week! Ice and snow headed our way according to forecasts.
Butch and Pam
Red-letter days indeed, Butch! Praise God that YOU ARE HERE!
I believe we can hold the good and the bad just as the bitter and sweet.
Praise God for his healing love, grace, and strength!
PS–I love your chauffeur ! May we all continue to have red-letter days as we feel God’s love and light on our shoulders, Butch. I’m so thankful for you both!
Thank you Karla. There certainly are those bittersweet times and moments. Bitter can only become sweet when it’s treated and sprinkled with mercy and grace. We hope today is a great day for you and that your week is filled with blessings.
Butch and Pam
It’s my blessing, Butch and Pam! I love your words! Have a blessed week too!
I really enjoy your beautiful posts. Thank you for being a consistent witness for our Lord, Jesus Christ
Thank you Kay. We appreciate you taking time out to join us for a bit of everyday living. Have a blessed day!
Butch and Pam
Red letter days are immeasurable gifts! So are ordinary days. I have come to cherish them more than ever. I really enjoyed your testimony. God is so good!
Yes, God is good and faithful!