Thank a Soldier

In working on my next book which includes the experiences of my senior friend Comer in WW2 in the South Pacific, I am learning that I don't think I am cut out to be a soldier. Nearly every soldier in Comer's unit ended up with malaria, and trench foot, and spent a good bit of time in water full of leeches and crocodiles, and snakes. I always had thought of the South Pacific as idyllic...and it is if you like 120 degree days, torrential perpetual rain, and snakes so poisonous they will fell you faster than you can say, "Oh drat, that wasn't a stick!" Our species needs to find a better way than war to contain the lunatics in society. I think it would be much better to just have a decisive game of rock/scissors/paper. As I speak with WW II vets, they remind me to talk quickly...not many of them are left. It is a wonder ANY are left after what they went through. I urge you all to go hug a soldier or a veteran today. Take them to lunch. Tell them thank you. Don't wait till Memorial Day or Veterans Day, or a birthday. Do it now. I can type whatever thoughts I have for this blog today, put it on Facebook or in a book and no one will censor it, or throw me in prison over it, or force me to write something else more glowing of their agenda...at least not yet in America. I owe that freedom to soldiers.

When Jesus healed the ten lepers, 9 went off to joyfully relish the freedom of regained health. Only one turned back to thank Jesus. That story always saddens me. I know God doesn't save us *because* He wants to hear the word "Thank you", but gratitude is never offered to any being that doesn't love to hear it. Jesus is in battle with a worse enemy than my friend Comer fought, and the battle is for our soul. The least I can do is turn back for a moment in the midst of the life I have because of Him, and say , "Thankyou."

Luke 17: 15-19
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."




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