A Time for War and A Time for Peace

I get to serve our country as a soldier. These past few days, I have had the opportunity to spend time with many of my fellow soldiers as they both prepare to and serve our fellow citizens. I am so proud of them and their dedication to the mission. To define them as selfless seems an understatement as time and again they leave all that they love behind, all of their possessions, in order to serve in parts unknown. They range in ages from recent graduates from high school, to those that have served over 40 years. They come from all walks of life, some from multiple generations of military service to others that answered the call for the first time in their families. Their reason for joining varies greatly among them, but those differences fade away as they become the close knit units that can defeat any enemy in any place of conflict. They are our sons and daughters, our fathers and mothers, our brothers and sisters, and they are our warriors.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…a time for war and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 8, NIV). Many of these citizen soldiers have careers outside of the military. Many are in the midst of studies in colleges and had to place life on hold. Some had to shut down businesses or leave them in the hands of trusted partners. Others serve as judges, chaplains, and critical roles in our communities. All are soldiers. Each and every one of them have answered the call regardless of personal impact or fear of the unknown. None desire to go to war, but all will answer the call.

So, I get to serve our country as a soldier. It is an honor that has taken me away from my family causing me to miss key events like my daughter’s first dance competition of the season this weekend (she killed it by the way!). My husband and I both served in Iraq and he served for an additional three tours in combat. Our family knows what it means to be soldiers, we understand sacrifice, and we wouldn’t change our decision to be soldiers, because we get to serve.

I am accused of recruiting wherever I go, whether for my civilian job or military job! I do it not to increase numbers, but because I want for others to feel the blessings that I have in both my roles. We have a choice, we can dwell in fear and dread, or we can answer the call and lean in to serve and be ready for both the times of war and peace.

Today, I pray that you answer the call, wherever God leads you. I ask for prayers for all our military that are serving across this Nation and world so that you can be secure in your homes. And today, and everyday, I say a prayer of thanks for what I get to do everyday, what a blessing to live in this world, and to serve with these amazing soldiers.