I went to a funeral the other day – volunteers were requested to line the path from the funeral home to the cemetery with flags to show gratitude and recognition of the sacrifice this young soldier made to our freedom. So I went, and I stood, and I cried – and I saw.
The windows in the family car behind the hearse are always tinted dark so that you cannot see in to their grief. But I was so close, I saw. I saw the stunned wonder, amazement, profound grief, and gratitude to those standing for their lost one, for the recognition given of their sacrifice.
There is a song that I have heard, that for the family of a fallen veteran, will bring you to your knees: James Wesley - Real
We acknowledge fallen soldiers with processions and flags and tears. We say goodbye and share their grief. But, that got me to thinking – how do we do this for the One that sacrificed all for us? Which made me think of another song: Jeremy Camp - Would you take the place
Would we? Could we? I try very hard to be honest with myself and would like to say I would try, but I know the answer to the second question would be no. If I have trouble dealing with my own issues and struggles, how on Earth would I take on everyone’s struggles and pain for all of time, past, present and future? There just is no way.
So, how do we acknowledge what was been given to us so freely? First off, just by saying, I am a sinner and you died for me and my sins and I thank you, Father, for this wonderful and so undeserved gift. After that, it really is up to each person to decide how to show our recognition and gratitude for this gift and sacrifice. Some take up foreign ministries, while others do the same at home. Some quietly give without wanting personal recognition, while still others seek out ways to give in which they are seen but turn all recognition of their actions to the One who saved them.
How do you show your gratitude and recognition of His gift? Third Day: Take My Life
Father, I believe! Joe Nichols - If nobody believed in you
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