A Moment of Reflection

There were many graduations celebrated this weekend, tearful and joyful goodbyes, as the school year came to an end, and many face the fact they won't see some faces again, while others know they'll meet up again next school year.

Today is the unofficial start of summer, as families plan vacations, reunions, cookouts, and fun activities for the families to engage in. I pause to reflect on Memorial Day holidays when I grew up. My mother would buy new outfits for my brothers and I, and she and my father would pack us up and head to Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Stone Mountain.

We would anxiously await our cousins' arrival, as we planned what our first activity would be. Now that my husband and I have children of our own, we create new and beautiful memories with our own family. Just like other families, we're planning what our summer season will look like, as well.

In many ways some things remain the same as they did in childhood. We run to the grocery store picking up last minute items for our cookout, we look forward to connecting with friends and families, and we search for places to enjoy the fireworks displays.

The greatest difference in Memorial Days then versus now, is that my thoughts often venture towards our service men and women. Why? My aunt and uncle are both retired military and I also have a nephew who served in the military. When I was younger both my aunt and uncle served in the military, and at that time it meant nothing more than that I just missed them a lot.

I now understand that they were making extreme sacrifices to defend and protect what we oftentimes take for granted. Our Freedom. They were willing to risk their lives, be away from their children, experience and witness events they would not wish on their worst enemy, all so that we can enjoy what we believe is a basic right. So many men and women each day in the states and abroad, are taking a risk that we cannot begin to imagine, just so that we can have our freedom. This day and every day I salute them.

Enjoy your cookouts, your fireworks, your family, and your friends. Yet, don't forget to stop and remember those who have and are currently serving to protect this country. Keep them and their families lifted in prayer, and love freely with an open heart.

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Happy Memorial Day!

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