Memorial Day

My father, both of my grandfathers, and my grandmother's brothers and father all served our country in the military. My generation is the first to not join the military in a while.

My grandfathers both passed in the last 18 months, and their funerals were hard affairs. But, with the help of God and the help of my Wonderful Wife, we made it through, though painfully so.

For Memorial Day this year, our church decided to hold a small, informal ceremony at the church as we raised the flag. At 8:00 AM, the church veterans attended the raising, and returning of the flag to half-staff. At noon, about 20 of us all gathered around the flag as it was returned to full-staff. We held a simple ceremony; a time of prayer and reflection, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Ms. Roz sang the National Anthem.

Thinking of all those that have passed, and given their blood for the freedoms we all enjoy in the United States brings on a somber and thoughtful mood. It was an odd dichotomy to have a small group standing around the flag, while the people enjoying their freedom drove by, oblivious to it all. The American people need to return to a time of reverence for the underpaid, but well trained volunteers who make up our military today.

Also, the American people need to turn away from their self-serving ways, to turn towards God and ask for forgiveness for our sins. He said He'd heal our land if we did that. (2nd Chronicles 7:13-16). As Betsy Childs wrote in "A Slice of Infinity: Swollen Bellies, Starving Souls", it is amazing that America has continued to prosper financially over the last 50+ years, yet the American populace is feeling more depressed. Our incomes are at record levels, yet so is the number of prescriptions for anti-depressants.

I've often heard that the greatest hurdle to a successful, close, personal walk with Jesus is material success. I think the facts speak for themselves.

On this Memorial Day, let's pray for those who gave it all for our material freedom. Let's also pray for a closer daily walk with He who gave it all for our spiritual freedom from the shackles of sin, and the cold grip of death.