On Monday we’re going to celebrate our 142nd official Memorial Day. Many people look at this upcoming holiday as the “official” start to summer and spend the weekend camping, boating, and generally enjoying the 3 day weekend. Originally known as “decoration day” Memorial Day is set aside as a day when we think about all those who have given their life in defense of our country.
This year, especially with an increasingly unpopular war being fought on two fronts, it’s important that we take some time to reflect on how blessed we are to have people willing to protect our freedom. My father was drafted and served 2 years in Oklahoma between Korea & Vietnam, his younger brother fought in the infantry in Vietnam, a fraternity brother is currently serving in Iraq. I am thankful that my uncle is not in Arlington and pray that my brother returns to his family safely next year. There’s many family and friends attached to each one of the crosses you see in this picture and countless graves seen and unseen. I am thankful to them, I weep for their loss, and I pray for their comfort.
There’s a controversy brewing in New York City regarding a mosque. A community group wants to build a mosque a few blocks from Ground Zero. The plan was approved 29 – 1 despite extremely an extremely vocal and passionate opposition. I applaud the community group responsible for that vote. Innocent muslims perished on 9/11 right beside innocent Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddists, aethisets & agnostics. We are not at war against Islam. We are fighting a radical ideology with roots in a twisted version of Islam.
Man has used religion as an excuse to conquer for millenia – that includes supposed “Christians”. An attitude that is at the root of human conflict going back to Cain & Abel.
Rather than continuing to opine about conflict lets tie these thoughts to how you should be approaching your professional life. This is “That Job Guy” after all. The teachings of Christ are a great place to start. “Love thy neighbor”, “turn the other cheek”, “go the extra mile”, “forget your sacrifice, go make amends with your brother”. You should be conducting yourself every single day as a servant. As my good friend Chad Snider says, you should give first, give more, and give often. Ask “how can I help you” more than “can you help me”. Listen more than you speak. Don’t get involved in the office gossip. Befriend the unpopular. Comfort those who are struggling. Support, don’t tear down.
Monday many of us will go to the cemetery to place a flag or flowers on a tombstone. To honor a fallen hero. To cry. To laugh. To sit silently and remember the good times we had with people who have gone. Even if you don’t take a trip to that hallowed ground, please take time to remember and be thankful for those who have gone before us. Let us learn from them, honor their lives, and pray for peace.