Memorial Day

It is easy for me to complain that my husband is working today.  I feel bad that he never seems to get a holiday off, and I feel bad for Little M and I because we are without our favorite guy for the day.  But this morning I stopped myself.  Because while we are without him today, he will come home to us tonight.  Many years ago he signed over his life to keep this country safe....but thankfully never had to give that much of himself. 

Today we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice....who gave their lives so that we may be free and live in safety every day.  I will say a prayer of thanks for each of them, and another for their families and friends left behind. 


Final Inspection

The soldier stood and faced his God

Which must always come to pass

He hoped his shoes were shining bright

Just as brightly as his brass.



“Step forward now, soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you turned the other cheek?

To my Church have you been true?”



The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

“No Lord I guess I ain’t

Because those of us who carry guns

can’t always be a saint.



I’ve had to work most Sundays

and at times my talk was tough,

But, I never took a thing

That wasn’t mine to keep…



Though I worked a lot of overtime

When the bills got just too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear,

And sometimes, God forgive me,

I’ve wept unmanly tears.



I know I don’t deserve a place

Among the people here,

They never wanted me around

Except to calm their fears.

If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,

It needn’t be so grand,

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don’t I’ll understand.”



There was a silence all around the throne

Where the saints often trod

As the soldier waited quietly,

for the judgment of his God,

“Step forward now, soldier,

You’ve borne your burdens well,

Come walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,

You’ve done your time in HELL.”



- – - written by Joshua Helterbran