Mar 17

Written by: tim
3/17/2010 12:20 PM 

Today is not Memorial day or Veterans Day (it is actually St. Patrick's Day but that is besides the point)  and yet I am struck with this need to honor the men and women who diligently and faithfully serve their country and community.  Police officers, fire fighters, paramedics and soldiers are the ones putting themselves in harms way to give you and I the peace and comfort we enjoy.  They are typically first on the scene and witness the hardest aspects of humanity.  They sometimes find us not making our wisest choices and yet they serve.  Their salary compensates them but motivation comes from much more than just a paycheck.

Yes, there are some who abuse their authority but the vast majority of them are brave, doing their jobs to the best of their abilities.  They provide us with a comparitively safe society, freedom and even life-saving efforts when required.  I've realized that some of them are also you, readers of this blog and part of the WayPoint family.  I realize that there is really no good way to "return the favor" to you men and women of valor, but I can remember to thank you.  I sit in my office to study, write, prepare, counsel, and stand before you on Sundays because that is what God has called me to; I do it without fear of persecution because soldiers fought for freedom.  I walk around my neighborhood and go to the park because officers take criminals off the streets.  I have faith to dial 911 on my phone because rescuers respond!

"This is how we know what love is:  Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."  1John3:16 (NIV)

Thanks!