I checked on those hands trying to level the family pictures he decided to put up along the wall by our stairs. My husband was off on a cold day today, Thursday and this was his way of not wasting time. My attention was briefly interrupted by occasional dances of the palm trees in our front yard, as gusty, chilly November winds swirled by.
I looked again at those hands adeptly arranging the pictures. Those hands that used to hold a binocular as he and two other comrades kept a watch during “Operation Desert Shield”. We never really talked about their struggles as years went by. I just found out a few minutes ago about some things as I started asking him.
“So, what did you do then? What kind of weapons were you guys holding?”
“There were three of us looking out for mines in the middle of the night. It was so cold and we were on the Missouri’s forecastle.”
“You have no shelter as you hunt for those mines?” I clarified.
“No! We were just surrounded by sand bags. Sometimes, we just had water and candy bars.”
“Did you guys find some mines?”
 |
| USS Missouri |
Those were the days when binoculars with night vision were not in use yet. These soldiers relied on their own vision, strength, perseverance and stamina as they took turns watching for those mines to keep their carrier and other naval ships out of harm’s way. Not minding the cold blast of the wind in the Persian Gulf area, they were dancing between life and death.
“Thank God!” I softly whispered as I felt both relief and sadness as my husband continued his task by the stairs, seeing about 5 pictures already up.
Relieved that I was actually seeing those pair of hands, enjoying time as he had been home with my child and I. But at the same time, my heart was becoming heavy for those who did not have a chance to see the hands of their loved ones and for those who were actively serving still.
Freedom…. It isn’t free…Lives who choose to selflessly give their all, leaving their families behind, their dreams, and willing to die to fight for what they believe in. Freedom…Like what Jesus chose to do. He gave His all so we can be set free…
Thank you dear husband of mine! Thank you veterans! Thank you soldiers!
Thank You Jesus!
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." - John 8:36 (NIV)
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32 (NIV)
"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
- 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT)
