Thanksgiving and Veterns Day

One week ago we remembered the Vets and this week we are to remember Thanksgiving. The two holidays are not separate from each other I think. For so many families they are very much entwined with memories and longings. Thanksgiving is a wonderful day unless your loved one is half way around the world serving thier country instead of serving up carved turkey.

War has stolen the place settings from tables of families all over the country.  I don't know what it feels like to know your loved one is far away working in a dangerous place. I don't know what it is like to not really know what they are doing. I don't know what its like to always be trying to push the "what ifs" out of the back of your mind. I don't know what is like to have to trust God to take care of that loved one.

I don't know, but that doesn't mean I don't hurt and wonder. I watch others send off their sons, husbands, brothers, and friends. I see the pain and tears and I queitly wipe away my own tears, but I don't really know the pain they are feeling.

Christ knows. He knows the nights filled with lonely tears of the wife. He knows a mother's heart and a father's love. He knows the children who ache for their father. He knows how desperately hard it is too just live when a big piece of your life is missing.

    For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(Hebrews 4:15-16)

 This Thanksgiving as you play football (or just simply watch football if you've eaten too much turkey), eat your dinner with family and friends, and spend some time giving thanks stop and pray for the ones here in this country without a loved one. Pray for the ones far away serving and do whatever you can to be an encouragment.

I do not know, but I will pray.