Memorial Day Meditations

“Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.

— Jim Elliot

This speaks to me of so many things. Of course I want our children who are overseas right now to be "all there". I want them to capture the moments and realize how special they are. When I was in Bible school I remember thinking how special the time was and making a conscious choice to savor every moment. I knew it was a time I would always cherish and I didn't want to waste it on not being "all there". How thankful I am now for those rich days of growing in God's ways. But what about today? Did I live this day--to the hilt? Was I "all there"? Hmmm--a good evening reflection. And what about those times I don't want to be "all there". How about times of loss or conflict? These can also be the will of God.

Today we still have a bit of sickness, so we stayed at home. I made some yummy food (fried chicken and scalloped potatoes) and the girls played in a little kiddie pool. We tried our hand at horseshoes but the rain chased us inside. Aside from David having to change the rotors and brake pads on the car while being sick, the day was relaxing for us all.

Last Sunday, I took the girls to a Mother/Daughter Tea to hear the life story of a Vietnamese woman I have come to know. Her name is Waterlily and she is the first person I have met who escaped from Vietnam during the war. I was in high school during that time and I remember wondering if my older brother was going to be drafted. I knew a girl in my school whose brother died there. It was a hard time for our country but meeting and hearing Waterlily's testimony of escape and God's ultimate rescue of her life has made me so very thankful. Today, we reflect on the many who have died that we can live in freedom. I will always be thankful for those soldiers who have risked their lives to protect us. Today, I pray and thank God for Dustin A. He is a dear friend's son who chose to go back to Iraq because he was needed. I am thankful for his wife who has supported him even though it means she is separated from him and is raising their child. Our country is filled with men and women of courage. Today, I pause to be grateful and thank God for them and for my freedom.