My wife and I have four children together, our oldest is currently 17 years old. For his entire life (and more) the United States of America has been at war against terrorism. First Iraq and then Afghanistan and other places in-between. This week that is all coming to an impossible end. As videos and images show the terrible outcome of war, I’m incredibly thankful that perhaps we can turn a corner. I’m hopeful that the country in which my children call home can now be more peaceful and, instead of war, we can spend the next 20 years at peace.
“Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King, Jr
For the next 20 years young women and men won’t return from a foreign land with scars they will carry with them the rest of their lives. For the next 20 years, young people can instead visit foreign lands and return with things that will enrich their lives and the lives of others. For the next 20 years, young people can pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness instead of pursuing enemies in foreign lands. For the next 20 years, people can love instead of hate. For the next 20 years, people can build instead of tear down.
I’ve been a faithful patriot, I served my country with honor, and will continue to do so until the day I die. However, I pray that my children see the love and obedience I show towards God above everything else. I pray they love Jesus with all their might, that they teach their children (and their children and their children) about the love of Jesus. I pray they learn about the endless Love that only He can offer. Today I’m thankful for a new day of peace, and that the days of war can finally come to an end.
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”
Mathew 24:6