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Veterans and Sacrifice

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Today we give honor to our veterans


photo courtesy of morguefile.com
I'm sitting in a hotel restaurant eating breakfast. The employees for the hotel and restaurant walk about doing their job. A custodian walks through with ear buds in and a bright smile on his face, clearly enjoying his music. Another stops when an animated movie on the central TV catches his eye. 

 Life walks by. 

 And it can.


Thankfully thousands of soldiers starting from the American Revolution to military issues today have and are giving their lives to protect us.

 Not everyone enters the military with the intent to give their life for their country, yet many have found themselves in this position. Bullet whiz by, land mine explodes. One soldier sees another injured and helps him. Another signals danger.

 There is nothing glamorous about war. The soldiers didn't know me personally.

 Yet the result of their service is a gift to us. One that allows us to go about our daily lives in peace.

 Years ago, God sent his Son, Jesus, to go to battle to rescue us. We'd fallen into a mire with no hope or way of rescue. Jesus fought the fierce battle but clearly had the edge. His victory gave us the freedom to choose heaven.

 Jesus understands the hardships experienced in battle. He knows the meaning of sacrifice and loss of life. He listens and helps. Warns and protects. Comforts and encourages.

 How did we start our day today? The alarm rang, we showered, dressed in clean clothes, ate breakfast and went to work.

 All the while the earth continued to turn, gravity functioned, the sun kept the temperature at a level we need, the water cycle, web of life, and other necessary functions for survival worked as it should. 

 To all the men and women who have and are serving in the United States military: Thank you for the freedoms you have insured for us.

 To God, Thank you for taking care of us, listening, and providing the way for eternal life.
Let's talk. Name one benefit you have that you did not directly provide.

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Comments

Janice said…
It seems to me that all benefits I have been blessed with have been given to me first through the hand of God and then through people He works through. On my own, I am nothing and have nothing.
05:47
Mary Vee Storyteller said…
Good words, Janice.
And today you have blessed us...making you a giver. :)
07:37
Unknown said…
The freedom to worship, to use my gifts and pursue my dream...so thankful to God and the people who came before me for making that possible.
08:13
Mary Vee Storyteller said…
Good tribute, Melissa.
And all the lives you have touched in your ministry are benefiting from your gifts.
09:48
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