Veteran’s Day was earlier this month. I can’t let it pass without reflecting on my time in the Marine Corps. I love my country deeply and am saddened by what I see taking place today.
Thanksgiving is this week. I’m thankful for the freedoms I enjoy that men and women died to help protect.
For many, Thanksgiving has become another day off from work. A day to join with family for roast turkey and all the trimmings. The meaning and sacrifice that underpins the holiday is nearly forgotten.
But for others, it is a day to reflect on how God has blessed our nation and the people and things in our lives that we’re thankful for.
For What Are You Thankful?
I, for one, am thankful I live in America. Despite all the problems our country faces, we are still a blessed nation.
I am thankful for the men and women who fought for our independence, and all those since who fought to maintain our freedom and the freedom of others. I am proud to be among them. Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving are days to remember the heroes of our lives, but many heroes go unsung.
I’m thankful for people like…
- The friend who shared her excitement with me about her conversion to Christ (and planted a seed of faith).
- The new friend who modeled Christ to me at a time when I desperately needed to experience His love (and brought me to the Lord).
- The church congregation who brought food and money to me and my children at a time when I was barely scraping by.
- The pastor and his wife who faithfully ministered to American military personnel and their families based in Germany.
- The pastors who minister in churches in the eight states I’ve lived in and who have touched my life in countless ways.
- The people who have reached out and befriended me.
In their own way, all these people are heroes to me.
Remember
It’s always easy to remember those who have hurt us. Hurt creates an indelible mark on our lives that seems to far outweigh the positive. How often do you stop to think about the people who have impacted your life in positive ways?
I believe it’s important to stop and think about the positive. Reflect back on your life. Who has been there for you in some way, no matter how small, for whom you are thankful. Make this week a time to do that.
If it weren’t for those who helped lead me to the Lord and those who have nurtured and taught me about faith in Jesus, I would not be enjoying true freedom today. True freedom comes with knowing Jesus died to pay the price for my sins and accepting His sacrifice. True freedom and peace comes with knowing I am forgiven, loved, and cherished for who I am by my Father in heaven.
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 NLT
I love my country dearly and would gladly serve again to restore her to her former glory.
What unsung heroes are you thankful for who have brought true freedom to your life? Leave your answer in the comments below.