Thank You...

Memorial Day.  As I ponder the holiday we celebrate today, I'm truly thankful for the men and women who have given their lives and are giving their lives as members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and other lesser known branches of our nation's military.  As a follower of Jesus Christ my primary allegiance is to Him, but the Apostle Paul reminded us that God is the one who has established governing authorities and placed them in authority for our good.  While our government isn't perfect and there are many things I would change about it, even having the ability to write those words without fear of imprisonment makes our government better than so many.  I appreciate the freedoms that being a U.S. citizen grants and know that freedom isn't free, as a military leader reminded us on the news the other night in commenting on a new memorial that has just been constructed in memory of those who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Today, most of us will enjoy picnics, or work around the house, or visit friends, or do something other than our usual daily work.  There will be those, though, who will be serving, doing their duty at home and abroad so that we may enjoy those activities.  To each of them, I say, "THANK YOU!"  I thank God for your willingness to serve, and pray to Him for your safety and continued faithfulness to Him and your nation.  I encourage everyone who reads this post to take some time to thank God for all that memorial day represents and for the men and women who have served and are serving to make it possible.