Wednesday, February 20, 2013

February 20, 2013

Giving Up


We think of Lent as a time to "give up" something or not do something. Unfortunately, it can be something as nothing as "giving up not eating chocolate." Instead of "giving up," we may also pledge to do something or provide a service.

In the bulletin and Pointer we list 21 names of those who are serving our country and thereby preserving our freedom and our very way of life. What we do pales by comparison to what they do and what they give up (and not just for Lent). Even those stationed in the US have given up friends, family, and some comforts on a daily basis (certainly they develop new friendships), but the demands on their time and attention means there is little time to contact those they have left behind.

There is even more contrast when we think about those serving in harm's way in many places around the globe. They are giving up personal safety daily, and perhaps suffering great physical harm and even death.

While we may think of them often, Lent is a special time to think of those protecting us.

May God bless us all.

Jack Van Becelaere

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