no greater love

This weekend was a time of remembrance. I have always considered myself to be patriotic and grateful for the sacrifices made. My great-grandfather and grandfather served in World War I and II (respectively). Fortunately, both of them returned home safely, but they were willing to lay it all on the line. My great-grandfather even took the phrase, "never leave a fallen comrade" literally as he pulled soldiers from a tank that had been mustard-gassed during the war.

I am thankful for those who have died for my freedom and those who are laying it all on the line. But I don't think I ever really understood those sacrifices and heroism as much as I do this year. My son (and others like him) are true American Heros!

On Sunday, I attended Memorial Day services at our church. There was a lot of patriotic music sung, as there always is for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, but this year instead of just singing the words, I listened to them a little more closely. Tears came to my eyes as we sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and I could hardly even mouth the words when a young child sang God Bless America in front of the entire congregation. (I wonder if she truly understands how blessed we really are.)

Then I wondered, why do we say to each other, "Happy Memorial Day." Is it truly a "happy" day? Are we happy because we have the day off from work? Surely we're not happy because so many have died? So why is it that we say, "Happy Memorial Day"? We are happy because we're free. We're grateful for those who have given the greatest sacrifice, and we're blessed. Hopefully, we're humbled by the men and women who have died for our country. Perhaps for many, their death meant going on to heaven where they are truly free! (That would be a happy day!!!)

Daniel told me several weeks ago: "IT IS AN HONOR TO GET TO BE DEPLOYED!" You see, it isn't a matter of "have to" for our men and women in uniform. When asked why he joined the Army, Daniel's answer has nothing to do with income, college, retirement, or anything else tangible. He will look you straight in the eye and tell you "BECAUSE I LOVE MY COUNTRY!"

I can't honestly say that I look forward to the day when my son will be deployed and be in harm's way, but I'm starting to understand what it really means and why he has to do it. You see, he loves this country so much that he is willing to lay it all on the line. He is willing to die so that you and I can be FREE! What greater sacrifice and honor could there be?

Why is he willing to die? He tells me it is because he has been overseas on mission trips and even to areas of the United States where people don't have the freedoms that we take for granted. He knows that not all are qualified to serve in our military, and he feels privileged to be among those who are qualified. He truly appreciates what he has, and he is determined to defend it. Some tell me that he is only 19 years old and thinks that he is "invicible," but I disagree. Daniel knows that he is putting his life on the line, but he is honored to do so for YOU! Daniel tells me that he has been called by God to serve! This is his mission field!

Today, I ask no more than this. Don't let your honor of our military be reserved only for those holidays dedicated to them. Whenever you see a soldier in uniform, remember to thank them for their service! And when you don't see them, remember to pray for them! It truly does mean the world!

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 (NIV)