Day 16 - Days of Thanks

Today we celebrate our Veterans because the calendar has directed us to do so. But I believe we should celebrate our military, past and present, every day. I'm thankful for the freedom their bravery has afforded me. Like most, I can be found taking my freedom for granted, not really realizing how good I have it. Days like today are a reminder to all of us that things we have in our lives that are really worth something, of real value, carry a heavy price tag.

"The best things in life are free" or so says the song. But I don't buy that. I think the best things in life are the those things which no amount of money can buy. They are the things that 'cost' us the most. Whether we're talking about our health, or raising a family, or living in a country where freedom exists, having the freedom to speak openly and follow the religion of your choosing...there is simply too much I could list here. Come to think of it, not even, and especially not even, our salvation came free.

We celebrate our freedoms and our blessings because we know the cost and when it comes to paying the price, few know it better than those who fight for it. Women and men choose to fight for freedom ... not because we deserve it, but out of love for neighbor. Those who have courageously faced things I will never fathom and did it for me among others, are hero's. They sacrificed and continue to sacrifice to this day so that we may know what freedom feels like. I'm grateful and so very thankful for these men and women.

I'm thankful for the ones who've made it home to their families and I'm thankful for the ones who made it home to the arms of their Savior in their heavenly resting place. I'm thankful for the families who sacrifice along side their loved one. I'm thankful for the husbands and wives who send their spouses to serve for my freedom. I'm thankful for the children who selflessly give for a greater cause. I'm thankful for those people in this country who appreciate the sacrifice these men, women and children are making and thank them for it. I'm thankful to be a part of something so willing to fight not just for our freedoms on this soil, but for the freedom of those who have no idea what freedom means.

Today and every day, I'm thankful to you...service men and women, to your families, your spouses, your children, your mothers and fathers, your boyfriends and girlfriends...I'm thankful FOR you.

God bless you this day and every day. For all you've done and will do, I thank you.