I did something today that I've never done before. I went to the viewing of a fallen soldier. I didn't know him well, I remember him when he was much younger, but I do know his parents. He was killed last week in Afghanistan. It's been amazing to see the reports on the news and read about it in the paper, the comments on the obituary page have to be so encouraging for his parents. They held the viewing today and the funeral tomorrow at a large church close by, we went early and had to wait more than a half hour to speak with his parents! His parents seem to be doing great! We were told that they were comforting others at church yesterday, at the loss of their only child! That's God's peace! They said they know where he is and that's what they are focusing on. Praying that some will come to know Jesus through his death!
You can't help but think about all of those who have given their lives for our freedom, freedom that we take for granted. How often do we even think about our freedom, of course, that is until we think our freedom has been violated! It also takes me to thoughts of how God gave His only Son so that we might live and have freedom from the penalty of our sins! Another "freedom" that many times I take too much for granted as well.
The next time I hear of a fallen soldier, I will make sure that I listen to their story, remembering that they made a difference, not just in the war but in life as well. They were someone's child, grandchild, sibling, and best friend, so much more than just a military picture on the screen. May we never forget!
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