Gosh, it's been a while since I've posted on this blog. And to be quite fair, I miss it. Writing is a deep passion of mine, and it's hard when I get so busy that I don't have time to do it. But I have the afternoon off, and some thoughts that have been running through my head over the past few months.
At the end of May, I was lucky enough to be able to go on an incredible trip to Israel. There is no way I can begin to describe the trip or just how amazing it was. Every moment was incredible. Our main objective was to go over and perform for the Israeli military, and it was phenomenal. The performances were fun, and getting to see the bases and be in some crazy places was extraordinary. But my favorite part was having conversations with the soldiers. Getting to know just a tiny piece of their lives. And realizing that these are a people that fight literally every single day for their freedom. For them, war isn't a choice, it's their survival. I left Israel marveling at their bravery, their courage, and their undying devotion the Land that they love. The land that is theirs. And it got me thinking...
I have always been a very patriotic person. I love where I come from. I love what my Nation was founded on. American's as a whole tend to be pretty patriotic people, and though others disagree with me, I think that being patriotic is one of our best qualities. Websters definition of patriotism is simply this "love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it." I just love that. It's not about thinking you're better than anyone else. It's not about winning. It's about being thankful for what you have, and the willingness to give your life for it. Patriotism is a clear picture of Christ's love for us when you really think about it. We were his country, and he was willing to be sacrificed for us. Why would we not do the same for all he's blessed us with? I know this probably seems like an out of the blue post to most of you, but stick with me. Summer time always fuels more American pride in me...probably because of the 4th of July. It makes me remember this one simple truth. I am beyond blessed to be an American. Yes, I disagree with a lot that goes on in our government. I don't like a lot of the ways people act these days, all self-entitled and self-centered. But I do recognize something great about my country. There are still people who work to keep what this Nation was founded on real. You have people who know that hard work is what will get you where you want to go in life, not free hand outs. You have people who have dreams bigger than the stars, and they know that in this land, that dream can become a reality. You know that you have the choice to raise your family with freedom, love, and truth because that's what this great Nation was founded on. You can do things other people would never dream of because you're an American. And that is a tremendous blessing. But those things don't come without sacrifice. Remember the definition of sacrifice is "love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it." And that's what really gets me. I have always had a deep love for our Nation's military. I'm often asked why, and to be quite honest... I'm not even certain. I remember vividly the first time it hit me. I was reciting a poem for the Memorial Day service at my church. After the service was finished, I sat in the pew and asked my mom why we celebrated Memorial Day, what was a veteran? She explained it to me, and as a 6 year old girl, I sat in that pew and wept. I felt such a sense of pride in those who had gone before me to secure my freedoms, those who were doing so right then. And it is a passion that has only grown. I think maybe the biggest reason I'm so drawn to the military is because it represents what SHOULD be important to us, whether you're an American or not. Valor, determination, courage, love, and above all SACRIFICE. The fact that there are men and women willing to give up everything for people who don't appreciate it ASTOUNDS me. And I guess I figure, if I can be strong enough to stand beside them, maybe it'll make what they have to endure just a little more bearable. I know this post is a few days after our Independence Day...but I think that's a good thing. I think it's important to remember why we have what we have every day, not just on the designated days.
When the group and I were flying home from Israel, I saw two American soldiers. I am and always will be that person who goes up to soldiers I see in airports or wherever, and thank them for their service. The first one I saw was a young man. He literally could've been 18 years old. I thanked him and he smiled, but didn't really say anything. The second was an older man who I saw right as I got off the plane in Denver. Everyone was hurrying so that we could see our families. I walked past him and everyone said "Kimberly, wait. Aren't you going to thank him?" And I realized that my family could wait just a few more minutes. I turned around and walked up to the man. "Excuse me Sir," he turned " I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you so much for serving our country. The military is a huge part of my heart, and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you do." Now, I don't exactly know what this man's rank was. I didn't want to just stare, but I know he was an officer. "Wow." He said as he shook my hand "Thank you so much. People don't take the time to thank us anymore...you are a great American. I wish I had one of our coins or something to give you but they're all in my checked bag. I can't tell you what this means to me." We chatted a moment longer, and then I left to join the rest of my group and see my family. Two things happened to me in that moment. Pride that I got to stand beside those men, even for a moment, and also a deep sadness that they are so unappreciated. And maybe that's what this is about more than anything else. Maybe it's time we go back to acknowledging the deep price that's paid for us, and standing beside those who pay it. Thanking a soldier or firefighter or police man when you see them. Being proud of where you came from. And being patriotic. Because if we forget how to sacrifice for what's worth it to us, then we will forget what it means to cherish anything.
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