Whatever we do, let's be sure we take some time to remember those who have given their lives that we might live in freedom. If we will be with young children or grandchildren, let's be sure to try and convey to them just what this holiday is really all about. And let's take a moment, too, to pray for those brave men and women who are currently serving our country, some in very hard and dangerous places. We owe them much gratitude for their service to America.
Today let's be sure we are also praying for those on the front lines of this pandemic, and for the families of those who have died during it -- for many are suffering today and this is exacerbated by the sadness of not being able to be with the dying or even to properly grieve the loss. We must pray for wisdom for our leaders and for courage to do the right thing. Let us praise God, too, that the loss of life has not been as great as originally predicted. Let's remember that neither we, nor our leaders, nor even the front line workers, have somehow kept this from being worse. It is God and God only who is the Giver and Preserver of life.
I have shared this quote before. Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said,
"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them."
This seems as if it has never been more true. The men and women who gave up so much, and in many cases, their very lives, for the cause of freedom, are such an inspiration, and we owe them much. We should never take our freedom for granted, though many have, and right at this moment in time it feels as if we have never been closer to losing those freedoms. Let's not ever forget that people paid for our liberty with their lives. This way of life that we have so long enjoyed -- this privilege of living "a quiet and peaceable life" -- is due to their sacrifice and God's grace. Let's be sure that we are showing our appreciation to our veterans, thanking God for the freedoms we still enjoy, exercising the liberties that remain, and praying faithfully for our nation and leaders.
Oh I had never thought of it that way...I wonder what our forbears, fallen soldiers, and founding fathers would say to see us now. I must say that it has shocked me to the core. Hope that you and Mr. T had a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteIt has shocked me too ... how quickly everything turned upside down. We thought it would just be a few weeks to "flatten the curve". Here we are many days in and even though the direst predictions have not come to pass, many are still being restricted severely. Thankfully we know God is in full control and has some purpose in allowing it.
DeleteAmen to this entire thoughtful post. Our "celebrating" was really small. Just hubs and me. I made brats on the stove and baked beans and cheesy potatoes. Not the healthiest of meals, but it was like an indoor picnic. Too hot outside to have a real picnic today. As for what's happening now to freedoms (and I'll add the economy and the fear that has taken hold...) I feel like we (general we) came under a spell at the beginning of this -
ReplyDeleteunderstandably so because this virus was unknown and the predictions were so dire. But so many decisions that continue to be made just don't make sense. Truth is, many things didn't make sense early on, but (general) we nodded our collective heads and seemed to be thankful someone(s) knew more than we did. And now that the spell should be over, it's like common sense has just evaporated.
Your indoor picnic food sounds wonderful, Becki!
DeleteAnd I agree so completely with everything you said about coming under a spell, and now common sense evaporating. The other day I saw (from a great distance) a man running on the road that passes our house. All by himself. On a remote country road. Wearing a black mask. All I could do was shake my head and say to myself, "People have taken complete leave of their senses." Time for the spell to be broken.
Wonderful Memorial Day post! Thank you for sharing these thoughts with us. We have so much to be thankful for in the country, even in the midst of our current crisis. Yes, we are thankful it has not been worse or even as bad as originally expected. It is God Who has sustained us and carried us through. May we never forget the ultimate sacrifice of those who have fought valiantly for our freedom...and may we never forget the One Who died to save us all from our sins. Amen.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Pamela. It is surely God who has sustained us and carried us through, and the greatest Sacrifice ever made was that of His Son. Thank you for adding that.
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