Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.
~G.K. Chesterton
Today, here in the United States, is Veterans Day. It is a day to remember those courageous men and women who have fought for freedom. They’ve stood in harms way – they’ve encountered countless horrors – on our behalf.
Yet even with a day set aside, it’s often easy to forget. Perhaps we get caught up in the festivities of an extra holiday; perhaps we simply chalk it up as their job; perhaps we’re so against fighting that we lose sight of the sacrifice.
And yet, we mustn’t forget …
Most of us will never truly understand the sacrifice made. We will never be able to grasp the terror or even imagine the threat. And that’s precisely why they do what they do. They often miss out on the everyday joys of life, so we might enjoy them. They give their lives, so we might be free to live.
Let’s take the time to remember. But let’s not stop there. Let’s continue this honor by living lives worthy of their sacrifice.
And to our veterans – for giving us this opportunity – for the courage to stand guard for our freedom …
I tend to blame my chubs on the fact that I love food. All food. I don’t play favorites, my friends. I’m an equal-opportunity-eater.
But I had to rethink this premise …
This morning I’m on Skype, chatting away with my brother and sister-in-law, when the subject of Blood Pudding is broached. Sure, I’ve heard of the stuff. But I always assumed it was merely a description of the coloring. It never occured to me that it might actually be “blood protein.” BLOOD PROTEIN! I was still trying to retrieve my jaw from the desktop when my sister-in-law pulled a lump from fridge. There it was, in all it’s glory. For my listening pleasure, she read the ingredients – basically, bloody butt fat, mixed with flour, and a hint of apple sauce. Mmmmm! Tasty!
Maybe I should buy a loaf. Then I could I tell myself – it’s either this or a carrot. Then again … I’d probably just hop in the car and find myself a cheeseburger and french fries – jumbo large – all to expunge the thought from my mind…
Today will be our last hooray. We plan to spend the day downtown, strolling about, shopping, sipping kaffe, and trying to forget what lies before us…
The last time we saw my brother and sister-in-law, you see, was three-and-a-half years ago. A mighty long time for someone you love. I knew before we ever arrived that my mum would have a hard time saying goodbye. After all, she would be leaving her baby and first and only grandbaby behind. But I wasn’t quite prepared for it being so difficult for me. There have been several times in the last couple weeks that I’ve had to avert my eyes … go in the other room … otherwise excuse myself, lest the tears fall.
Tomorrow morning will not be pretty.
So here’s my wish for you, dear reader: when you have the luxury of being near those you love, enjoy them. Hug them, kiss them, tell them you love them. Laugh, and dance, and sing – and make goofballs of yourselves. Relive the good times of the past, and make new memories for the future. Make the most of each and every moment – both big and small.
Perhaps the quote on the top of the Jones Soda candy can (courtesy of Michelle, from Centerville) says it best: Until further notice … celebrate everything!
*Special thanks to Michael Thornton for allowing me to post his school assignment. Seems the world today is in dire need of a hero or two. Should you be tempted to believe a hero is anyone but you, you have only to read this post. As Michael says, it’s pretty easy if only you try …
Yesterday, my friend Mel gave birth to a baby boy; but this baby boy was not born to her. No, Mel offered to carry little Quilan Boyd so that his mother could witness his birth, even though cancer had ruined her chances for carrying him herself. Mel’s husband and children put up with morning sickness, emotions, and cravings so that a certain couple might become a family all their own. They did it out of love; and they did it with enthusiasm. I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure I could have that much love and concern for another. Perhaps I’d get too attached; perhaps I’m simply too selfish. What I do know, is this: my friend was willing to give the greatest gift of all; and in so doing, I believe, fullfilled John 15:13, “Greater love has no man, then when he lays down his life for his friends.” No, she didn’t die – as we are taught in Sunday School – but she did put the life of another before her own. And that is what it’s all about.
So to both families, our deepest congratulations. To Mel and her family – thanks for showing us what the greatest of love looks like …
