In wars past, I visualize men and more recently women in battle armor, fighting to defend our country and the freedoms of those they love and hold dear. There are many different kinds of battles and many different kinds of wars; all of which bring visions of destruction, the wounded and the dying.
I could thankfully say that I have never been in battle, except that I am seeing destruction, the wounded and the dying all around me. I seriously feel that I’m in the middle of a war that’s being waged against values, morality, decency and honor. Men, women and children are the target and our homes are too often ground zero.
If the defenders of the home are physically, mentally or emotionally AWOL exactly at the time when our families are being targeted, is there any doubt that there will be casualties/fatalities? Worldly pursuits, personal ambitions, entertainment, hobbies and 100 other interests are distractions that too often prohibit our defense of family.
I often think of the gentleman from India, who, speaking to an American said, “We, in our country, sacrifice the material items of this world for our children. You, in America, sacrifice your children for material items.” It was a generalized statement, but if any truth is found in the statement, it speaks sadly of misplaced priorities.
We live in an “I want it now” society. But my experience with patience and self-denial has taught me that the anticipation and the planning of future accomplishments or acquisitions have made the realization of the end goal so much the sweeter.
There is a time and a season for all things. And when we recognize our season and embrace it, we are rewarded with “everything beautiful…” most importantly a beautifully strong, emotionally healthy family.
When the caring, nurturing, training and defending of children are put on hold for any objective that takes us away from family, the wounds of neglect will inflict injury. Parents will spend years undoing the damage, and the “undoing” is drawn out and painful. Children bring a season that stretches us to our limits…but what a beautiful season to influence, inspire, defend and love precious little people who have only us to depend upon.
OUR CHILDREN TAKE THEIR FLIGHT INTO THE FUTURE WITH OUR THRUST AND WITH OUR AIM. AND EVEN AS WE ANXIOUSLY WATCH THAT ARROW IN FLIGHT AND KNOW ALL THE EVILS THAT CAN DEFLECT ITS COURSE AFTER IT HAS LEFT OUR HAND, NEVERTHELESS WE TAKE COURAGE IN REMEMBERING THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT MORTAL FACTOR IN DETERMINING THAT ARROW’S DESTINATION WILL BE THE STABILITY, STRENGTH AND UNWAVERING CERTAINTY OF THE HOLDER OF THE BOW.”
Jeffrey R. HOLLAND