I was never a crier. I was the tough girl. I once went through an entire semester at college without crying.
And then I fell in love. With a soldier. And with Jesus.
At one point in my life, my heart was hardened. I was not compassionate and completely confident that I could make “it” on my own. Tears were not an issue. I had it together.
And then I feel in love. With a soldier. And with Jesus.
Today is Memorial Day. A day of tribute. A day of remembrance. I am forever thankful for our soldiers– and for Jesus.
Many people post tributes and touching pictures on Facebook in support of our troops. That’s great. But I have quite a different perspective. See, I am married to one of those soldiers. And not just married to him, but deeply in love with him.
My beloved has served overseas three times. He’s been shot at. He’s watched his battle buddies fall. All the while– he clung tight to Jesus. And led me into a relationship with Christ much deeper than I could have ever imagined.
As my relationship with my soldier and my Christ has deepened, my heart as been softened. I try to avoid “tearjerker” videos because I still don’t like to cry. But it is hard not to be overcome with emotion– primarily in the form of gratitude- when I stop to really consider what my beloved husband AND what Christ has done for us.
They both have willingly offered to DIE for me. Simply the thought of this type of love moves my heart.
The song “Soldiers and Jesus” by James Otto sums it up pretty well.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbDFgbKDTTE]
(If you couldn’t view the video in your email, click HERE to watch.)
Have you EVER really stopped to think about the sacrifice from Christ and our soldiers? How does it make you feel? How have you experienced life from another’s sacrificial love? Please don’t be shy… Share your comments below.
So today, lets take a moment to give thanks for those who have given us a hope and a future by laying down their lives. There’s only two people who have ever died for me… Soldiers and Jesus. Without them… God only knows where we’d be.
Thankful beyond measure,
SGK
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” –John 15:13
