When you were a little tyke, with white blonde hair and the same magnetic smile you wear today,
I took notice.
It wasn't hard to see
that the little boy who came into my life so unexpectedly was an incredible
gift from God. Memories of those first
days when you called me “mommy” – well, my heart took notice of the innocent
life before me. Months later when Dad
and I married – we noticed that God
showed favor on our family in the many events that brought us all together….but
at the same time I couldn’t help but
notice that He had made it so easy to be your mom.When you started kindergarten with your sweet smile and loving disposition – the teachers noticed that you were an asset to their classroom. Later on, when a few learning struggles came to light – your teachers consistently noticed that you TRIED….you TRIED….and YOU TRIED so hard to succeed. They longed for your academic success not for themselves – but for the sweet little boy they took notice of, with the white blonde hair, a sweet innocent smile and an infectious laugh… and “R’s that sounded like sweet little W’s”.
Our immediate family took
frequent notice of a favorite recurring memory of you as a little guy; but our
friends may not realize that YOU from an early age were the catalyst for peace
and harmony in the “mini-van days”.
With dad on business trips, the 4 of us could be found driving up and
down East Cobb roads from practice to practice to practice (with 3 athletes,
and me – the one and only driver!)
Whatever the day had been, it typically culminated with one of your
sisters wanting to change the radio station.
Their desire was always lovingly countered by my one and only son,
lovingly saying, “Girls, Mom works very hard to take care of us when Dad is on
the road… let’s let her listen to HER favorite music.” (That recollection brings an automatic smile….and
explains why you all know the lyrics to many, many 80s tunes!)
So, you have always been “others-oriented”: Selfless, humble,
forgiving and servant-minded. Maybe you haven’t noticed until this moment,
but these are traits that Christ personified and exemplified. Maybe it’s time you really take notice: So much
comes to you inherently – I can’t help but think it’s an extra measure of
grace. Look at it as “extra equipping”
for something special in this lifetime. (Don’t think I’m delusional – Christ would not
use traditional USMC “vocabulary.” )
Most
begin the adventure of living with humility and a forgiving nature being the
hardest attitudes to embrace. You
however? I’ve
noticed – there’s no spirit of bitterness. When others have ripped you apart verbally; physically or
in writing….you’ve found it in yourself to be tender and forgiving when
standing face-to-face in the presence of an adversary. When others have alienated and manipulated you for a lifetime – you still found yourself
in a stance of forgiveness - but one with reasonable, and appropriate
boundaries. (I wish I had been more
like YOU in this regard.) Unfortunately,
I experienced the same hurts over and over because boundaries were established
late. Worse than my own pain was the dysfunction and pain I allowed to pervade
my own sweet family, because in my weakness - I never said “ENOUGH.”
As you face the future, consider your gifts. How very fitting is your “life verse.” Think of it daily as you see your tattooed
shoulder blade… Remember where you’ve
been and never forget the many circumstances from which God has delivered you...not JUST the combat zone, but relationships, family wounds, and circumstances under which some would have relented. He has a plan for your life and He has
given you a courageous heart…one that doesn’t back down because of peer or
societal pressure; one that allows you to love and live with unyielding
laughter and joy.
In your 23 years of living – you’ve experienced trials and
triumphs that many of us “civilians” will never know nor completely grasp. Yet – you
must notice and feel an incredible level of responsibility to carry on in a
manner worthy of honor and in tribute to friends and comrades lost. You have led some on the battlefield and you’ve
led others in moments of desperation-fueled prayer. Now, in this great country’s capital – you are
in a position of great honor, one that reveres the lives of our fallen; a position that pays homage to our country’s
history; and a position that brings
reverence, encouragement and hope for
the future of this great nation. You are a 23 year old veteran of the United
States Marine Corps. Honey - your
leaders, your trainers, peers and subordinates: I
promise you that THEY HAVE NOTICED some of the same traits on display in
your life now – that have been apparent since at least age 4.
Joshua 1:9 - Joshua
1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not
be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord
your God is with you wherever you go.”
