“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called God’s children.” - - Matthew 5:7
A sudden bump as the747’s tires kissed the tarmac told him the 12-hour flight from Shanghai was almost over. Once the jumbo jet parked safely at its arrival gate, Daren readied himself for the hike to the parking structure. It had been an exhausting flight . . . an even longer week.
He grabbed his carryon, bid farewell to the crew and raced through the terminal to see how fast he could exit the airport and get home to his family. Along the way, Daren couldn’t help but notice a group of camo-clad soldiers heading to their gate. “God be with them,” he thought.
As the soldiers passed, almost everyone waved and cheered. When Daren saw the soldiers being honored and applauded, he too stopped and clapped.
It touched him, deeply! These unsung heroes would soon be putting their lives at great risk so that people like him could go to school, work, church and home without fear.
Just when he thought he couldn’t be more proud or patriotic, a young girl not more than 5 years old ran up to one of the soldiers. He kneeled and greeted her warmly. She spoke with conviction, “Sir, will please give my Daddy something from me?”
“I’ll sure try,” he offered politely. “What would you like me to give to him?”
The girl’s mother introduced herself. “Our Marine,” she began through tender sobs, “has been overseas for 14 months. Courtney misses him desperately!”
The remaining soldiers overheard the girl’s appeal and huddled briefly. One pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie, and spoke purposefully into it.
A few minutes passed before the young soldier walked back over to the girl, bent down and said, "I just spoke to your Daddy. He told me to give you this." He then hugged Courtney and lightly kissed her cheek. “Your Daddy told me that he misses you more than anything, that he loves you a gazillion, and that he’s coming home very soon."
The soldier squared his shoulders and joined his squad in saluting Courtney and her Mom. “God Bless you al!” he said respectfully. As they walked away, the young soldier turned and blew Courtney one last kiss. A single tear fell off his cheek.
Daren watched the incident from a distance. He’d remember this day forever! No longer would he take for granted the conveniences of an American lifestyle. Never again would he forget the price others had paid for his freedom. He’ll pray for all the heroes separated from their loved ones and for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for their selfless acts. Amen
