30 Days of Gratitude: Day 9

Gratitude for Those Who Served

Today is Veterans' Day. I want each person to take a moment today to think about the fact that everything you are "free" to do came at a cost to someone else.

The veterans who chose to put their lives on the line so that each one of us can have opportunities to live and practice how we choose. Someone else was willing to put their life on the line for me. Someone else was willing to take on the responsibility of protecting millions of lives and the "freedom" our country stands for, knowing they may come home a completely different person. Some of those brave men and women left their families and friends and returned as entirely different people.

Today, I recognize that many veterans across this country struggle with the adjustment to civilian life. I lift those veterans who struggle with mental health effects from combat and other situations that change them from their time in the service. I thank those veterans who continue to uphold the Constitution of this country and fight as civilians for the citizens they fought for when they were in uniform.

I have so many in my life who have joined different branches of our military; friends and family who have given up years of their lives to fight for my ability to write a blog for a church website freely. As a Christ-follower, people have fought to protect my freedom to practice my faith. I am able to publicly declare my life to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, without fear that the government will shut me down.

Thank a Veteran when you see one. Genuinely thank them for their service. Listen to their stories about their time, and acknowledge their sacrifice. Recognize and stop taking for granted the cost of freedom, because your freedom isn't free for someone else. Salute their courage. Celebrate their heroism. Show support for their families.

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”