"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have
loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his
friend. You are my friends if you do what I command you." John 15: 12-14
It is November 11, therefore it is Veterans Day. The sameness of
our lives is what makes us feel safe. We believe that life is predictable because
a pattern exists that we can depend on. If we have a routine, perhaps the fears
that haunt us in the night will dissolve in the brightness of the every-day sunrise.
Originally called Armistice Day, it celebrated the ending of WWI
on the 11th hour, the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1911. Today we often hear
people include first responders and local police in their list of those we
honor. Let us also honor the military families who sacrifice the sameness of their
family life: the warm presence and support of a loved one and co-parent; the
touch of a son or daughter’s hand on a cheek; and the hoot from the top of the
stands when a son or daughter sinks a basket. All of these share their love for
family and friends by setting aside their lives and their own needs for the
protection of our country.
As you run into the grocery for a fresh carton of milk to replace
the one you finished this morning, you may pass a child whose breakfast table had
an empty chair today, and every day. At the mall, a man with thinning hair may
hide a heart, diminished by grief and sorrow over the death of a military son
or daughter. As you sit in the audience of a Veterans Day school program, know
that the aggravatingly slow-moving person in front of you may struggle with
their own prosthetic limb they gave up for you. When the family sits to watch a
ball game, honor the silence of the family member who sheds tears when they
play the national anthem, as they still ache over a friend-in-arms they lost to
a snipper’s bullet.
Today is a day to remember and honor. But, it’s also a day to make
plans for the future, a cause to support like Folds of Honor; Christmas cards
to write for those still in the military; a family down the street to adopt for
Thanksgiving; a child on the elementary ball team who needs another adult to
help validate their experience, that the song they sang was indeed wonderful,
or the homerun they hit was as spectacular as they thought. Whatever you choose
to do, to set aside your own needs to share the love of Christ with another,
dedicate yourself to the sameness of the experience so life may be a little
more predictable and safe again. Let us pray.
"Oh loving God, father of my friend and savior Jesus, holy and
pure is your name. May I hear your call to love others as you have loved me,
even when I may grumble about being too busy to interrupt my day with the needs
of others. For this day, I ask that you place someone in my path that needs
your love. Forgive me when I do not listen, or do not respond in a loving way
because I value what I am doing over the needs of others. If you have placed
them there, they will be a blessing to me, as I am to them. I know that love
will fill me to the level that I can open my life and love others. May any
glory and honor go to you, Father. I want none for myself. I lay the
selfishness I secretly harbor at your feet, that I may be a better, more dependable
friend. In the precious name of Jesus and by his power as your son I ask.
Amen"
Blessings,
Doris
Copyright 2019 Doris
Gaines Rapp
For previous posts go
to: https://prayertherapyrapp.blogspot.com
Fun blog to accompany my
newest novel: www.tuckermcbrideintheclassroom.com
Author of nine novels
available on www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com
Website:
www.dorisgainesrapp.com
When Tucker McBride was young, the church across the street held Watch Night services on New Year's Eve. Songs of love in Christ and prayers for the New Year lilted all the way to the dark beams in the ceiling above.
