A few years ago I stood in an airport fast food line. I held
a $20 bill in my hand as I eyed the menu board trying to decide what to eat.
From the corner of my eye I saw two soldiers walking by. I had no idea if they
were heading off on a mission or if they were returning home from one. All I
knew was that I was very moved and, almost without thinking, I thanked the
soldiers for their service to our country, asked them if I could buy them
lunch, and then handed them the money in my hand.
This very small gesture was beyond insignificant in comparison to everything that those in the military have risked and endured to insure our country’s freedom and prosperity. Even so, it was obvious that these young men were very moved by the small expression of appreciation. Perhaps it was simply because someone took the opportunity to communicate something many of us feel, but rarely express: sincere gratitude.
Today is Veterans’ Day. First of all, I want to say thank you to everyone reading this who presently serves in the military or has ever done so. Our country is deeply indebted to you, and I for one am personally grateful for all you do and have done to protect our lives and our liberties. Secondly, I’d like to challenge us all to think of a veteran we know and then figure out a way to thank and/or bless them practically this week (let’s get creative!). In addition, let’s pray for people we know (and their families) who are presently or will soon be deployed. In light of last week’s tragedy at Fort Hood, we saw that our soldiers face dangers wherever they are, so let’s keep them all in prayer.
And perhaps Christians can do one other thing for our veteran’s; humbly learn from them. Many of us have never been enlisted in the US military, but let’s remember that the service and sacrifice modeled by our military is something Christians everywhere ought to emulate for the ultimate Commander in Chief:
“And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army.” (2 Timothy 2: 4 NLT)