My family was recently blessed with being able to share Christmas together with our son, Travis, in Washington DC. The trip was a treat for us, because our oldest son, Daniel, was able to join us and so the whole family was together for Christmas. This was Daniel's first trip to our nation's capital and he wanted to take in as much of the sights as possible. That included of course Arlington National Cemetery.
We went to the cemetery and walked first to President Kennedy's grave and his brother's graves. We then went to the tomb of the unknown and watched the solemn ceremony as the sentinel stood guard and then we watched the changing of the guard ceremony. While this was occurring, the funeral of a fallen airman was taking place in the distance. We heard the firing of the rifles in a 21 gun salute and then the majesty of the missing man formation flew over the cemetery humbling me as I was blessed to witness a final salute to this individual whose name I am never to know.
I then felt the presence of the spirit as he told me to look to the sentinel and learn from them, because their example speaks loudly if I will pause to listen to the lesson. It struck me that we admire the young men who stand at their posts no matter the time of day or regardless of what is going on around them, and for the most part admiration is all we do. Temperatures below freezing? They stand guard. A beautiful autumn day clothed in the majesty of the changing leaves? They stand guard. A hurricane blowing ashore from the coast? They stand guard. A spring day with flowers painting the countryside in grandeur? They stand guard. Summer days above 100 degrees? They stand guard. Rain coming down in buckets? They stand guard. Angry thunder clapping loudly in the distance? They stand guard.
The environment does not stop them from manning their post and doing their duty, and the spirit convicted me that my response of admiration while real is not the sole response I should expect from myself. I, too, have an obligation to not let the environment or other circumstances prevent me from carrying out my duty as a citizen. To be content to think that my admiration is enough does nothing for improving my country or helping my citizens who need my assistance in some way. The young men who stand guard at the tomb of the unknowns are in essence giving the rest of us a clear picture of what our service should look like as well. I think perhaps, I have become too content to bitch about my leaders and act like that is standing at my post, but the spirit has convicted me that I am nothing more than a clanging cymbal and a resounding gong. So, I confess my lack of activity to my God and repent of my loud wailing and want to get off my high horse and do something for my country. Thank you Father.
