A Grateful Comparison

Does is bug you when someone says, "Oh, I totally know

exactly how you feel?"

Although we may be able to relate to someone on some level,

we don't really know exactly what they're going

through.

So, with this truth in mind, I humbly make the following

comparison between ministry families and military families.

The "ministry family" part I know... I'm living it and

loving the life I'm called to.

The "military family part"... I don't pretend to really know

what their lives are like, but from those I've known and the

blogs I read and the few I currently know, I've seen some

similarities between the two.

I'm listing this comparison ONLY to heighten our respect

and admiration for them & the courageous lives they lead.

Here's my observations:

- Often live away from their families

- Move from place to place

- Must force themselves to make relationships even though

it's possible that they'll move again soon

- Learn to rely on friends as family (we find this a blessing!)

- Good at packing boxes & moving

- Are acquainted with "lonely"

- Knowing that their husbands are on the front lines for the cause

- Risk is a way of life

- Strong Wives/Moms who must function for long periods

of time while the husband is away

(NOTE: my husband travels quite a bit, but I don't even pretend

to relate to the military wives who are separated from spouses

for months/years!)

My comparison must end here... I know there's so much more that

they endure,

that they sacrifice,

that they give...

I'm so VERY grateful to the countless families who live a completely

different lifestyle than I could ever truly relate to... all because they

have chosen to serve our country...

to serve us!

With tears in my eyes I write...

Thank you, Service Men & Woman and your families!

Your sacrifice is unlike ANY other!

I respect you, admire your courage and pray for you regularly!

Our freedom, our flag, our country means SO much to me!

Thank you for protecting all that we hold dear!