At the end of the day all of the ramblings and musings about Internet marketing are fun. That’s really all they are. They are not truly important. If any life were to hang in the balance because of what I or any other Internet marketing pundit writes then there is something really wrong with the world.
It’s the eve of the 4th of July. It’s an interesting holiday for me. I have a pretty fierce patriotic streak so the real importance is obvious. As for the way the day is celebrated, it can’t get over fast enough for me. Any time it is the purpose of a “holiday” to mix alcohol and explosives there is legitimate reason for concern. I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, I am just like everyone else in that my impulses often are not ready for prime time but some of the acts of incredible stupidity performed in the search of an “OOOO, AHHHH” after an explosion boggle even this simple mind. Based on that ‘worldview’ I tend to lay low and pray for a passing of the holiday with no emergency room visits.
The real reason for thankfulness on this day of remembrance and celebration is the one that we often get uncomfortable with. It’s the fact that good men and women have fought and died for our freedom. That’s just a fact. We live in a world where there are very bad people who want to do harm to us. We have to defend ourselves. At times we need to be the aggressor.
Political views aside though today we all need to celebrate our freedom and remember those who gave their all for it. Not one of them has died in vain in my opinion. They died for their country out of duty and honor regardless of ideology. They served and followed orders. They cared enough to do what our leaders thought was right no matter how right or wrong history will see the decisions.
Our troops are true heroes. I love them and respect them. If I meet someone who is serving or who has served I make sure I thank them. It’s the absolute least I could do. To think that we have treated veterans as inhumanely as we have in the past is a true disgrace. If you ever get angry at a soldier you are placing your anger in the wrong place. They are heroes because they follow orders and keep the common good in the forefront. They put themselves last regardless of their political views.
Imagine a country or a world where self promotion and love of self were replaced by an attitude of sacrifice and love of another. Can’t imagine that can you? Unfortunately neither can I. I can, however, give a measure of respect to those whose job is to protect the rights of those they either agree or disagree with. That’s a true hero. Jesus himself said that “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Of course, Jesus then called us all his friend with His sacrifice and gave us the choice to accept or reject that incredible offer.
So today, take a brief moment to pray or simply think of those who are right at this moment doing a duty that they volunteered for. If you meet someone who has served to protect (don’t forget police and firefighters on this front either), shake their hand, look them in the eye and sincerely thank them.
Happy 4th of July. If you are one of those who has served please leave a note here. Regardless of your ideology or anything else, I am deeply grateful and indebted to your model of sacrifice. As it said in the letter to my grandmother from President Roosevelt about my grandfathers death in World War II I feel that your sacrifice indeed “humbles the undertakings of most men.” Thank you and may the Lord protect you and your family.
