Today we celebrated Christmas with my Dad’s side of the family, which is always a fun tradition. Things have changed there is no doubt about that, but I do always enjoy time with them right before the holiday! Good food, catching up, and lots of Christmas cheer, but one thing in particular stood out to me. On this day, 64 years ago, my Papaw boarded a ship to sail across the world to join the army. To join the fight. This close to Christmas. All those years ago. How amazing and inspiring.
And so
tonight, as I sat here before bed I thought about leaving on a boat of complete strangers, less than a week before Christmas, of all times, and if I would be able to do something like that to protect my country. My answer is no. I could only ever do that if I felt called to do so, but that is not something I could ever physically/emotionally do at age 19/20, which is also how old my Papaw was at the time. But that does not mean I am not going to encourage and pray for those who do have that gift. There are many people who will be without their loved ones this holiday because their loved one is out fighting to make our world a better place and that, my friends, is the greatest Christmas gift we could ask for. Someone is giving up opening presents, and listening to the Christmas story because they are doing the ultimate duty. That speaks volumes for me. Please join me in praying for our armed forces this week. We are able to enjoy this time because others make that possible. Others have fought and others have sacrificed and they are still to this day fighting and sacrificing so that we may have a Merry Christmas. Think about them. Pray for them. Be thankful for them as you do anything to celebrate Christmas. They are a huge part in our Christmas whether we know it or not!Thank you Papaw for your service and for opening my eyes as to whom I should be thankful for this Christmas. I may not be able to serve in that way, but I can pray and support those who can. Good bless them and Merry Christmas to those who have and who continue to make Christmas possible!
Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful
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