Somewhere on an aircraft carrier, there’s a sailor headed towards the Persian Gulf. Somewhere in Afghanistan, there’s a soldier on patrol. Somewhere off our coast, there’s a seaman on a Coast Guard Cutter searching for drug smugglers.
Somewhere, in the middle of nowhere, there’s a Marine guarding our nuclear weapons. Somewhere off the Alaska coast, there’s a pilot in a fighter jet making sure Russian bombers don’t threaten our country. Odds are not all of them will come home.
As we celebrate Memorial Day by cookouts, fishing, family, and fun, it’s important to remember what this is really about. It is remembering and honoring those who have died while protecting our freedoms, which we often take for granted.
It is also important to understand that not everyone who is currently on active duty will survive. Sadly, some will come home in coffins. This was the choice each of them knowingly made when they took their oath to serve.
Jesus said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
So take a moment to give God thanks for all the fine men and women who have sacrificed their lives for us. And then celebrate big.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I thank you for those who have given themselves so that I am free. Help me to use my freedom as the precious gift it is. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
We are continually blessed by the men and women who willingly sacrificed on our behalf. Don’t forget them.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 