I couldn't let this day pass by without sharing a special event from my life for which I am extremely thankful to God. Nearly 25 years ago, the Lord blessed my husband and me with a beautiful son. He has always been a joy to us and never failed to make us proud. On September 11, 2006, our son joined the army and over the next four years served our country with honor. In Iraq he grew in experience and knowledge and when he returned to the states was a man who had learned more about the world and had seen more of human behavior than I ever imagined a child of mine would. I thank the Lord that he came home healthy and whole, but I mourn with my son the loss of many who bravely served alongside him. As our country celebrates Memorial Day this weekend, I pray that we never forget the sacrifices made throughout the generations by these brave individuals – men and women who fought for freedom for ourselves and our neighbors across the seas. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Now our son’s time in the military has reached its completion and he is beginning a new time in his life. Over this past week, he travelled from one coast to the other, driving through our beautiful country with my husband. As they made the trip across the states to our home, I thanked God that they were together on the journey. They experienced a variety of different conditions as they travelled. There was sun and rain and even wind which produced sand storms in Arizona closing the roads and leaving hundreds of people stranded in a little town far from anywhere familiar. They branched out and explored unknown territory, seeing places they had never seen before. And through it all, they enjoyed the companionship and comfort of being together. How perfect, I thought, that father and son were side by side, sharing in the adventure and spending that special time together on their journey home.

It is the same in life. As we travel along the path God has set before us, how comforting it is to know that our Heavenly Father is right beside us. We are not alone. There will be times when the road is difficult and other times when it is smooth. But, He tells us to take comfort knowing that He is there. All along, God will be with us to be our Companion, our Leader, and our Guide on our journey Home. “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Today, as in all days, I am thanking my Heavenly Father for watching over us and always being by our side. Whether we are in a distant land separated from friends and family or close by simply travelling along the path in life, let us remember, and be thankful, that we have a constant Companion in our Father.

“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Be sure to join Laurie today over at Women Taking a Stand for more on this Thankful Thursday.

15 Comments

  1. Love this verse, Joshua 1:9
    Thanks for the reminder as we head to Texas next week.

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  2. AnonymousMay 27, 2010

    I love that your husband and son made the trip together.

    I can't imagine as my boys are so small still what it must be like for a mother to have her son serve in the military. I guess you couldn't do anything but hand your anxieties over to Him and trust that He is always with him.

    So glad He is always with us. xo

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  3. AnonymousMay 27, 2010

    Thank you, for posting this and for raising a child who is willing to lay down his life for his friends. God bless you and your family.

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  4. Gail - yes, Joshua 1:9 - I love how God doesn't just ask us to be strong and courageous...He commands it! He's serious in desiring our trust.

    Jo - When our son was in Iraq, I would pray everyday (still do!) The one thought that kept me "calm" was to remember that he was just as close to God on the other side of the world as he was here, at home.

    Just Writing - Thank you so much. Sometimes I get emotional when I think of all the "children" out there who give their all for others...

    God is so good.

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  5. Such a wonderful post.

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  6. No doubt, your faith has been a source of comfort as your son serves in the military.
    May we honor him and all those this weekend.

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  7. What a great Thankful post! Thank your son for us! And knowing God is with us no matter where we are brings such peace.
    God bless you.
    Julie

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  8. Joan - I am so thankful for the men and women who have served our country.

    Thankful your son is safely home.

    Blessings,
    Joan (yes, there are two of us, LOL)

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  9. Great thankful post...I am so thankful for the sacrifices of young men like your son...they are truly heroes to us all...and what a great father and son time during that trip...so many blessings....

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  10. What a blessing is your son's life and your attitude towards his decisions. I don't think I can release my sons if they did it, I've always told them not to be soldiers all the time they were growing up. (By the way, we have a different military in my country.) I just don't have it in me. So all my salute go to you all!!!
    My thankful Thursday is here.

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  11. I'm so glad your son has returned home safe and sound. However, I'm sure he's grown much in that time with all he's been exposed to. How wonderful that your husband and son had the time alone after he returned.

    So many think of Memorial Day as the beginning of summer. But it is to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. How easy it can be to take that for granted. But so many men and women served in the military to keep us free. I am very grateful for their service.

    Happy Thursday to you Joan!

    Blessings,
    Debbie

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  12. First, please thank your son for me for his service to our country... the only place I want to live.

    Secondly, how thankful I am for the sustaining presence of God who never leaves my side. I don't always see him, feel him, hear him, but I am confident of his presence because his Word tells me so.

    Have a blessed, restful weekend.

    peace~elaine

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  13. AnonymousMay 30, 2010

    Thanks for the reminder of celebration :-)

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  14. Rejoicing your son is home safe. May the Lord continue to guide him through this next chapter of his life and heal his bruised heart. It's never easy losing friends in battle.

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  15. How neat that your husband and son had the time to travel together. Please thank your son for His service in the military.

    Thank you for sharing your grateful heart with us and also reminding us the true meaning of Memorial day.

    Love & peace,
    <>< Iris

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