Thoughts on Veterean's Day

Today, I attended a Veteran's Day assembly at Covenant School, where all three of my children attend school. Garrett had called and invited my dad, an Air Force veteran, to come. I knew Hannah and Garrett would be singing and that there would be a speaker. As she left for school this morning, Hannah mentioned that she actually would be singing a solo.

I had no idea what I was in for. It was moving. All of it. The choir sang several beautiful songs, but Hannah's was by far the best. The song was based on the poem "In Flanders Fields" which a man wrote during World War I after presiding over the funeral of his 22 year old friend. She boldly sang these words...

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row, on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

The younger children had already had time alone with the speaker, so after the singing, they went back to their classes. Then the speaker, Jared Shumate, an Army veteran who was in Iraq and Afghanistan, talked to us about what it means to be a veteran. He spoke about the liberty we enjoy as Americans and how a heavy price was paid in blood. He went on to explain to these 7-12th graders that the liberty we enjoy as Christians - an eternal liberty- also cost a heavy price and was paid for in blood.

He was a good speaker and joked a lot with the kids, too. I went to the assembly this morning mainly out of obligation and not expecting to recieve anything. But as usual, the Holy Spirit met me there, softening my heart and speaking truth to my soul. And reminding me once again of a scripture that I discovered years ago and still dearly love...

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!" 2 Corinthians 3:17