This past Monday, November 11th, was the day we
celebrated and took time to publicly honor and thank all veterans for time
served in the military. Without their bravery, our lives might be different
today. Although most of us prefer peace over conflict, we take into account the
popular 1960s song that states: “To everything (turn, turn, turn). There is a
season (turn, turn, turn). And a time to every purpose, under heaven. A time of
love, a time of hate. A time of war, a time of peace…..”
It is during the season of war that men and women follow
their calling and leave their families to
protect us in times of conflict so we
can lead the life we love and dream. I know life is not perfect, but as
Americans, we are afforded many freedoms that most countries do not have.
If we take time to think about our lives, even in the most
disparaging and challenging of times, we have, in comparison with other
countries, a pretty good life. We have access to running water, can speak
openly about subject matters that are important to us, we can go to the library
and check out our favorite books without any costs, see shooting stars on a
clear night sky without the fear of bombs exploding in our midst - and the list
can go on and on.
Often, during our daily lives when the struggle feels intense,
we forget these simple pleasures and let stress consume us. Although stress is
a natural reaction in times of challenge, we might respect those who have
served best if we pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and move forward the best
we can. In fact, it’s possible that remembering to do this when we feel like
throwing in the towel, might be one of the greatest ways to honor veterans.
Author, Cristina Oliveras eloquently reminds us about our
everyday stresses in comparison to those who served in the military in an article
entitled, “Six Lessons Everyone Can Learn From Soldiers On Veterans
Day”. She stated:
“A veteran is someone who, at one point, wrote
a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount up to
and including his or her life. Imagine the stresses of a battlefield and
making quick decisions with incomplete information with enemies at every corner
hunting for a quick victory. There is no time to stress over these life or
death situations. Soldiers learn to analyze, plan for the best result and
execute it. Take this lesson into your daily life when you are up to your ears
in debt, or when you feel there's not enough time in the day to finish your
work. It could be worse….”
Technically, Veterans Day is now behind us but that
doesn’t mean we have to stop saying - and showing our thanks. And one way to
honor a veteran all year long is to remember, even on our most stressful and
challenging days, just how lucky we are to be alive. When we forget that, then
we forget those who risked it all. Let’s make a pack to not forget and honor
our veterans all year long.
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