Sacrifice- the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.
After reading that definition it really forces you to look at memorial day and its meaning a little differently. Every year this day rolls around and for so many people it is a fun day to get off work, maybe have a grill out and enjoy a good time with some family and friends. But on the other hand for some people it is one of the most difficult times of the year. It is the day that they are reminded of the loved one that was taken from them way to soon. When some get to go down the street to visit friends or family others have to do it a little differently.
Today some people will wake up only to be reminded again of the loved one that will never come home. Today some people watch others talk to there loved ones while they have to go to a piece of dirt and talk to some stone sticking out of the ground. Some kids tonight got to hear mom and dad telling them a goodnight story and tell them they love them while others have to kneel beside there bed to talk to there parent only to know that they won’t get a response and will have to go to bed without the comfort of a parent. Someone at the bar tonight is trying to drink out the memory of the friend they left behind and think to themselves why wash’t it me?
It is not fair! Why should a mom have to burry her little boy? Why should someone have to explain to there child why mommy or daddy is never coming home again? Why should young men and women die all over the world just for this idea of freedom?
These young men and woman know what it means to be free. They understand that it is such a fragile things that needs to be protected at all cost. They understand that sometimes it takes a little bit more than what they want to give, but give it anyway. They understand that some things are worth fighting for.
To give up your life for a greater cause is the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus displayed it just how much he loved all of us. That he was willing to give up his own life to save all of us. Those enlist do so with the mentality that they love this country and everything that makes it America and are willing to die to keep it that way for everyone else that they love.
Its impossible to explain the job that these people have. To fully understand that the fate of a whole nation and its people are on the shoulders of some young brave men and woman is mind boggling. To try and fathom what they gave to do and go through daily is impossible.
I am incredibly thankful that there are men and woman standing in the doorway between life and death just to give me a place I call home. I thank them for fighting so hard for so long for a goal they may not even see come to fruition. And thank you so much for the families and friends of these heroes who stand strong in the face of devastation and loss to give us a sense to hope that nobody else could give.
Dear Jesus, Thank you so much for dieing on the cross for me so that I may be free. But today I am even more thankful for the men and women who lay down there lives to protect me and this place I call home. Without them none of this would be possible and enjoying the life you have given me would be nonexistent. I am truly humbled today at the sacrifice so many people have made. Saying that, I am begging you today to extend your love and hope to those who have lost a loved one. Today is a day that they remember that there loved ones earthly life is over but they will get to spend eternity with them and you in heaven. Thank you so much for these heroes and be with them and all there family today.
In Your Holy Name I Pray!
Amen
