Wow! It is the unofficial kickoff of summer. There will be BBQ's fired up, campgrounds will be packed and swimming pools will be opening all over our communities. Oh, and I don't want to forget all the bargains that are to be had at the electronics and mattress stores. It will be a good weekend, a long one for most, and it should be enjoyed to the max.
Let us not forget, while we are having a good time, what this holiday is really about though. Its about remembering the terrible sacrifice that men and woman have made throughout our history to preserve the freedoms that we hold so dear. Over 1.2 million service men and women have paid the ultimate price to ensure that America would remain the standard bearer of freedom in the world. Let that sink in for a moment. Men and women, who would never know your name, died to keep you free.
We could debate politics, or offer different theories on why our nation has waged war over the centuries, and some of those arguments could be both persuasive and compelling. However, the fact remains, Americans gave their lives for something they believed in.
It is no secret that we are a divided nation right now. Some would say, deeply so. But my prayer would be that, at least for this weekend, we set aside the things that divide us and take a moment to remember the cost of free debate. On this weekend, lets remember the commonality that binds us and lay aside the things that separate us. On this weekend, let us be Americans, and grateful ones at that.
Pastor Tim
