God’s Dominion

Many of you know that today is Veteran’s Day, but how many of you know what that means?  I would hope at the very least you take the time today to thank those who have fought for and died for your country and your freedom.  I know at times it doesn’t appear they’re fighting for us, but every time they fight it’s for us.  Some may argue that our wars in the Middle East don’t really protect us, but how many domestic terrorist attacks have there been since those wars began?  Anyway, I don’t want to turn this into a debate about our foreign policy.

Veteran’s Day actually began as a celebration of the end of World War I (“the war to end all wars”).  It was first celebrated on November 11, 1919 as Armistice Day on the one year anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty (signed on the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918).  Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938.  President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars.

If you run into any current or former soldiers today, please take a moment to thank them for their service whether or not they ever fought in a war.  They were willing to even if the situation didn’t arise.  I once saw a posting online where somebody said that he didn’t consider somebody a hero if they were just doing their job.  I think that’s ridiculous.  A soldier who puts his life on the line chose that profession.  He is a hero the day he makes that decision.  I don’t care if he’s getting paid to do it.  He didn’t make that decision because of the pay.  Thank you to all those who made the decision to stand up and defend our country.  You have my highest respect.

There are some facts and figures (some of which I pilfered here) at this site: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/014342.html

Laterz!

I know that God has a plan for us and that His plan will happen even if we don’t do what we’re supposed to.  However, I wonder what happens if we miss our opportunity.  We shouldn’t if we’re truly in tune with Him, but think about Esther.  If Mordecai wasn’t there to nudge Esther or if he hadn’t heard about the plot, the Jews still would’ve been saved, but would Esther have missed her opportunity?

I sometimes wonder about my own missed opportunities.  The chances I’ve blown because I’m too stubborn or just out of touch.  I’m sure I’ll find out when I get to heaven, but I’m hoping I haven’t missed many.  I pray that my future holds very few missed opportunities as I attempt to become more in line with God and His will.  I pray that for all of you, as well.  Laterz!