“Choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:15
Have you ever felt like it was Friday and it was still Thursday? Or what about this, have you ever realized part way into the day, it’s your mom’s birthday or worse yet “it’s my anniversary”. That’s a bummer when it happens but it sure beats realizing it the next day or when the “hints” from that person trigger your memory. I bring these up because special days are special. Sure, they are 24-hour periods, and sure, certain celebrations are done a day or two in advance and sometimes a couple of days afterword. Let’s just say it’s awkward when we forget.
That brings us to today - many people get Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day mixed up. So, which one is which - they both are important. Here is a tip - memorials are typically for those who have gone on and are no longer alive. “In Memory Of…” says they have passed.
Today is Veterans Day. It’s about remembering, it is about honoring. For a moment, I pause and say thank you for serving. I know many who have served. Some who wanted to serve and some who were not excited one bit about putting their life on the line during a time of war.
One of the key things I think about on a day like today is “duty” and “willingness”, and I contrast that to a key thought in the current generation - pleasure and fun. Life is not about pleasure and fun, and yet there are many things in life that I enjoy. Sports and food are two of them that I really enjoy. The Word of God makes it clear that I have a duty. To glorify God. To love God first and foremost above everything. To seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. In military terms, we are told in Scripture to act as a good soldier. When someone as incredible as God calls us- it is not so much a preference-oriented question but rather of life directive.
A challenge for many believers and followers of the Lord is that, as time goes on, we think and act as though we are retired and one who used to serve, actually thinking of ourselves as a retired “veteran”. I hope you will think of yourself as one who has been a veteran but still is active as well. Because it is a thrill and a privilege to be in the Lord’s army.
