Monday, November 11, 2013

The Days of Old, the Years Long Past

Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Deuteronomy 32:7a 

Today is Veterans Day, the day we honor and remember all those who have fought in battles and wars for our freedom.

Many of you were not even born when these men and women were fighting for your freedom.  They were making sacrifices and laying their lives on the line.  They were sacrificing their families, their personal agendas and even their sanity.  They fought, staring fear right in the face.  You did not know.  You were not aware of the sacrifices made just so you can enjoy the freedoms you have.  You were not aware, but neither were they aware.  They didn’t know you either.  They didn’t know the people they were fighting for because it didn’t matter to them.  They were fighting for freedom and liberty for all Americans.

As a nation, we are so spoiled.  Too many take the liberty and freedom that we have for granted.  Kids today don’t even really think about how life would be without all they have.  They have never had to live that way thanks to many of our veterans.  They expect to have what they have – entitlement.  Many are not thankful and they have not thought one time about someone having to go to war so they can go to their soccer practice, concert or Wednesday night youth meeting.  It is out of their realm of thought because nothing like that has ever happened in their lifetime, so it is understandable that they wouldn’t think about it.  They have not lost fathers and brothers to the devastation of war.  They have not had to ration food due to the hardship in the land because of war.  They have lived well. 

So we have the extreme of two generations here: a generation with patriotism running through their veins, and another generation that probably doesn’t even think about it.  The one sacrificed for the other, yet the other does not realize the gift. 

Teach your children about the sacrifices made for them this Veteran’s Day.  My children are not out of school today.  They go to a public school that has a Veteran’s Day assembly where local Veterans are recognized and honored.  I am glad and I feel fortunate that my children’s school district acknowledges this very special day with more than just a student holiday.  I hope these men and women make an impact on the children that helps them understand how grateful they should be.
Unfortunately until our children experience the coldness and desolation of a close-to-home war, they may not realize how much they have and what a sacrifice was made so they could live freely.  There has been the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, but for many, this has been like a documentary on TV.  They don’t pay attention if it does not touch them in some way. 

This veteran’s day may we all remember what we have been given and the sacrifices made for our freedom and liberty.  Thank those veteran’s in your life and let them know that you value the sacrifices they made.  Introduce your child to a veteran and let them tell him thanks.  It may make both of their days.

Scripture to Claim:

And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come. Psalms 71:18

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