Reflecting On Our Veterans

16 “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister[a] in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:16-18

Each year, reflecting on Veteran’s Day, involves me opening up my dad’s brown, wooden photo album and looking back all of the memories of his time in the army. He looked so tough and fearless. He looked so young.

I also love to dig through the metal box that holds hundreds of letters my dad wrote my mom. They are endless memories in this metal box and wooden album for my dad. Although I haven’t read these letters in years, I can still remember the loneliness and fear that I could hear through my dad’s words and how much he missed my mom. I remember how it hurt my heart to read these as a young girl.

I am so thankful that I have pictures, letters, dad’s storytelling, and the privilege to be able to look into his eyes and get a glimpse of what it would be like to serve one’s country. It makes me think about the people and young men that I know serving today. There are so many sacrifices made and being away from their families is just one huge one. It is just a great reminder to us all how important it is to pray for our Veterans and our military today and to be so tremendously thankful for all of their sacrifices .

Counting My Blessings,

Susan Browder

https://youtu.be/Ps7xmW-9LXQ

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