THANK YOU!

I’ve never fought in a war, never been drafted, never served in the military. I’ve never had a grandparent, parent, sibling, or child who lost their life while fighting in a war.  In spite of these facts, on this Memorial Day I am very thankful.

I am thankful for every person who has fought for the freedoms we enjoy, thankful for every person who lost their life so that we can continue to live. I am thankful for people like my dear friends, Mark & Annette, who lost their only son while he was fighting for our country. It is impossible for me to fully comprehend what parents like this will go through on Memorial Day and what they go through every day of their life.  I will pray for families like these on Memorial Day.  One of the most moving experiences in my life was walking through the National Cemetery in Arlington. I am thankful for the many who have fallen so we can stand. I am thankful for those who continue to risk their lives every day for us.

Most of us live relatively trouble free lives compared to those among us who have lost loved ones in war.  Many Americans seem to forget that we live in the greatest nation in the world because of the men and women who have served in our armed forces.  God’s Word teaches us that we are give honor to those who deserve honor (Romans 13:7). It is certainly fitting and proper for us to pay honor to those who have given their lives for us on this Memorial Day.

As we enjoy a day off from work and/or a cookout with loved ones let’s be sure we thank God for the many who have given their lives so that we can enjoy ours. There’s an old saying that “Freedom Isn’t Free,” and our freedom has cost many their lives.

Dear Father, thank You for the people who have given their lives in defense of the freedoms we enjoy. May we never forget that we live because others have died. Help us to express our thanks to families who have lost loved ones in war. Dear God, help us to express appreciation to those who are still fighting for our country.