If your heart goes unchecked like mine, sometimes it may be puffed with pride. It doesn’t take much: a few poignant lyrics, hearing the American flag snap sharply in the sky on a windy day, making it to another homecoming intact. For the most part, the country honors our service and sacrifice of a military family as a whole. Military spouses are elevated right along with service members.
I had one of these moments recently. A monument was erected atop one of the nation’s premier ski jumps right in my in-laws’ hometown. We went for a visit, and it was a site to behold. A garrison flag flies high and brick pavers bear the names of many who have served or are still serving. Inside is a time capsule that holds the DD214s of half the state’s veterans. The time capsule will be opened in about one hundred years, 2106. My husband and I are veterans from the counties recognized. I was so proud.
My mind wandered to where my family would be in 2106. Who would be there to be proud for us? Would the children of tomorrow gain a sense of the full measure of patriotism as is one of the monument’s stated purposes? “I bet not,” I thought. Already signs of vandalism were cropping up too close for comfort. I was indignant to think that one hundred years down the road, a ceremony might go unnoticed or veterans might be forgotten. I hope it won’t be.
In that hope, I attached a prayer, but at the same time was gently admonished for taking credit for God’s strength and maybe not caring enough that God is so often forgotten. In our three-day drive to the in-laws, we passed a few other sites to behold: crosses in the mountains, steeples seen from far off distances, a marble statue at least four stories high of Jesus with outstretched arms. Next time I’ll do more than drive-by; I’ll pray that one hundred years from now, veterans and military families will recognize God as the one who sustained them.
Father, strip me of these prideful feelings, for I know it’s You, not us, who has the power. Forgive me for acting as if I’m the only one. It’s Your grace and strength from which I draw my own. Thank You.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10 NLT)