11/11

Veteran's Day (or Armistice Day) is nearly over. It's been interesting to note how it is trivialized in some ways in America. In Canada red poppies are everywhere during the month of November. People are proud of their service for their country, and the country is proud to honor those who served it. I know there are plenty of observances across America, but I can't say I've seen a single poppy in the last week or so (granted, I haven't been out as much). We like to flex our military muscle and talk about how great our military is (which is true), but we, as a nation, haven't done a great job of remembering the sacrifices of those who have given us (and much of the rest of the world) its freedom. It seems that without remembering those sacrifices, we've easily taken freedom for granted. We push for our rights in every arena of life (including the right to sue if the coffee is too hot), but we have forgotten the price of freedom--the blood that it is built upon. Freedom (like Spiderman's power) comes with responsibility.

I haven't done a good job of observing this day, but I wanted to take a moment to reflect. And to thank those of you out there who have served. The military may not be my cup of tea, but I appreciate those who have the drive to serve in it. I think of my grandfathers who fought in the war, and came back to raise their families in freedom.

At the same time, I feel negligent if I don't mention that McCain's slogan, "Country First," is off the mark. It must be God First. Now, our history is filled with horrendous acts of violence in the name of God. That's off the mark as well. We must seek the Kingdom first--the Kingdom of peace and righteousness. And in doing so, we will be reminded of the things worth fighting for: justice, mercy, compassion and freedom. In seeking Him first, may we know when to turn the other cheek and when to stand up for those who can't stand for themselves. And don't forget to thank a veteran--as well as God for our freedoms--as you do so.