| Service - 11-10-09 |
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Service - 11/10/09 This word, "service", is one of those interesting words in our American language. Several meanings come to mind when the word is used but in this instance I would invite a focus on the offer of oneself in fulfillment of membership in one of our country's branches of military. This concept of service is deserving of some attention during this week of Veteran's Day. At various times and in various capacities, I have had the opportunity to be in the presence of men and women who have served our country as soldiers, airmen, or a seamen. One recent experience was that of the opening of the new expansion to the National World War II Museum. The grandeur of the stage and the seating and the flyover and the nationally prominent speakers and the architecture and design of the new building were all very impressive. But these parts of this recent experience paled in comparison to a part of the experience that has been true in every instance it has occurred- the ability to look into a service man or woman's eyes when their or the service of their brothers or sisters is discusses or recognized. One of the speakers at this event seemed to put it into the proper perspective when speaking of his father's service, "He hated every minute of his service in the Navy. But he knew that there was a war on and he had to do his part because if he didn't, who would"? And "he did". There is no doubt that the thousands of acts of courage, bravery, honor, and heroism that are deservedly spelled out in museums and monuments all over the world memorialize the importance of the vast impact that our country's role has played in shaping the world. But it does seem to all come down to people deciding to do their part. What a phenomenal reality!!! In the Bible, a book that is often held close to service men and women, there is a verse (John 15:13) that reads there is no greater gift than that to lay one's life down for another. When this spiritual foundation is added to the above social reality of doing our part, it seems that there should be a different word for service verses SERVICE of our military. But more on an individual level, this latest experience challenged my own sense of gratitude. As our world proves, time moves forward and in doing so, the vivid nature of the past is replaced by the distractions of the present. Before the eyes of our former SERVICE men and women close, will we have received the message of their SERVICE and will we have taken the time to give them an appropriate level of appreciation. After the bands stop playing, after the flags stop waving, after the speakers go silent, will we have taken the moments to look into these Veteran's eyes, feel their experience, and say it? THANK YOU! God Bless,
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