May 26th, 2008

I can't believe Memorial Day is finally here. I don't personally know anyone who has fought in a war or know anyone who is fighting right now. But, never-the-less, I am still so grateful for those who have done so and are doing so even as I type. I know there are many parents, spouses, and children patiently waiting for their loved one to return home to them. There are also many who do not need a "Memorial Day" to remember what they have lost. I cannot grasp the sacrifice that has been made for this country at times. The blood that has been shed on my behalf so that I may walk around in freedom, openly pray to God, and live life the way I feel called to live it.

And even as great a sacrifice that these brave men and women have made, there is one that is even greater. That sacrifice that Christ made for me on the cross. It also seems hard for me to understand and truly grasp that someone would lay down their life for me so that I can truly live. I think we all have our own reasons for struggling with this. The one that always comes to mind for me is that I just know myself all too well. I know that in my nature I am definitely not worth saving. And yet, God says that I am. Even though I have rattled off a thousands mistakes to Him, it doesn't seem to matter. His word says that He remembers them no more..."as far as the East is from the West." To the outside world it may seem like a license to do what ever we want because, hey, God forgives. But, for me, it propels me forward to be more like Christ...with His help of course.

I love that we as a country have traditions and holidays to honor the men and women who have fallen for me. I wish that I could thank every single one personally. To show my heart-felt thank you to the parents, wives and husbands and children for all they have had to give up. It takes courage for these people to get up everyday and go fight a battle that they may not even fully understand. I will never have that kind of battle to face in my life time. But, for me, I have to get up every morning and pour out the junk, and fill myself up with something greater than myself so that I can face the battle for my heart, my marriage and my family. I know that my very nature wants to pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep. To step up and face the day can now be met with hope, faith and love because I have One who gave His life for me in such a way that gives me strength and courage that I normally would not have. I know myself pretty well and to go about my day without my full armour from the Lord leaves me wide open for all kinds of trouble. But, with it I can be the kind of person He created me to be. He is the greatest Leader I will ever have.

I hope people take the time to remember those on this day who have given their lives for our country. We should be incredibly grateful. But, we also should be reminded of the One who died to give us eternal life...everyday. Without it we truly are lost.

God is Good!
Blessings, Tanya