As I'm clawing my way back to the blog after a record-setting hiatus (which is not necessary the kind of record I want to achieve now or in the future. Again, my apologies to those of you who have been faithfully checking in each day), I must first bring our attention to the significance of this Memorial Day.
This is the day we dutifully recognize those brave men and women throughout our history who have paid the ultimate price on our behalf. Though we may acknowledge those sacrifices from time to time, I wonder if we are ever able to fully appreciate just exactly what it is we are commemorating? To even be able to sit here in Panera Bread (continuing to poach their free Wi-Fi, by the way :) and have the freedom to eat in peace, pray and read my Bible if I want to, and write freely about whatever may suit my fancy, is because of people like the older gentleman sitting across the aisle, sporting a 1st Infantry Division hat commemorating his years of service. How many of our citizens, unrecognized among us and unseeking of any such recognition, have responded to their country's call to arms when the need arises? And how many more who responded never returned home? Their names and lives may be lost to us now, but their sacrifices are not forgotten.
This is why I have begun to be more intentional about expressing my own thanks to our military personnel whenever I see them. As many of you may know, I've been doing some traveling lately to Oregon and other places. And as opportunities presented themselves, I have made it a point to thank our men and women in uniform for their service. Their reactions are mixed. Most simply have responded in kind, while occasionally some react with surprise that someone would take the time to offer a word of thanks--not only because it is a rarity, but also because they see their service as nothing special, nothing beyond merely doing their duty for this great country of ours. As I have said so many times before, I am continually reflective (and appreciative) of the fact that these brave men and women stand in harm's way so that I don't have to. They are separated from loved ones--missing birthdays, anniversaries, and other family occasions--so that I can live with my family in the safety and security that their vigilance provides.
On a related note, today is also memorable because it was 7 years ago that my beloved wife, Jean, and I were married in Sioux City, IA. As with any anniversary or birthday celebration, it is virtually unbelievable to think that the time has passed so quickly. The optimism and excitement on that day about the adventure that lay before us has evolved into our embracing an adventure that even we couldn't imagine then. So, here we are--7 years and 4 kids later :)--still adjusting to the new "normal" that has come to be the greatest experience of my life. Our love for eachother continues to evolve and deepen, and I can say unequivocally that I am a much better man and father because of the wonderful woman that God brought into my life so many years ago. (I love you, honey!)
And I cannot help but recognize that our ability to be married and live the life of our choosing over these last 7 wonderful years is in large part because of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. I am never thankful enough for all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon me by so many people, both known and unknown. Happy Memorial Day to one and all! 
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