Gratitude

Gratitude.

What exactly is gratitude?
I guess it depends on how you look at it.
First and foremost, I am grateful for my faith - not that it is anything that comes from me, but is a gift from God. There are days when I know just how puny that faith can be. Days as a wife, a mom, a grandma when I forget that worry is something that Jesus died for.  And that God's hands hold so much more than we can imagine....and the palm of His hand never lets anything fall.

To live in a country where so many men and women have the courage to say, "Yes! I am proud to serve!"  Where men and women who are sons and daughters, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, decide that service to their country is a privilege, and that wearing a uniform every single day is an honor. That the boots they wear walk not just the streets of their military posts, or the decks of their ships, or the steps to the cockpit of their fighter jets, but also the streets and the sands of places far from home.

To be the mom of two soldiers, and the wife of a Vietnam veteran, is a pride that is not a boastful pride, but rather a deep and abiding thankfulness.
Today, Ron, Stephen, and I will go to one of the many restaurants in town offering and honoring Veterans and active military a complimentary meal.  Laurie is still out of town for training, but hopefully will also decide to join some of her brothers and sisters in uniform for a meal as well.
Kasey's school does not close on Veteran's Day....they used to honor veterans and active military with a special program on Veteran's day. I am saddened by the fact that they do not do this any more. It would be good if the many of the children who attend and are from military families would know that their loved ones are appreciated. It's good for ALL children to know their country is served and protected by a military which is strong, and courageous.
I guess that's just my opinion, but still....

And gratitude is something that humbles us....for we are nothing without the blessings God gives to us. No matter our accomplishments, or our job, or our financial status....we are nothing without gratitude to Him.

He has blessed our country with the greatest military force ever given to a nation.
May He give them courage, and some day soon, the blessing of serving once again in peace time.
Thank a Veteran today, won't you?  Or hug someone who is still serving. And please pray for  a family whose soldier has given the ultimate sacrifice.