Military Spouse Appreciation Day

I wrote this post last May, but it's still as true as ever. I hope you get the chance to thank a military spouse today for all that they do.

Do you ever stop to think about your freedom? I mean, really. Our country is far from perfect, but we enjoy a tremendous number of liberties that many in the world don't have. I get so tired of hearing people talk about what's wrong with America. There are so many people who just want more and more from our government. And there is a seemingly general attitude of dissatisfaction toward the blessings and privileges we do have. But even worse than that, there is little gratitude for those who have served and still serve to provide those blessings.

You probably don't think about it much, but when you get up and go to worship in the place of your choice on Sunday morning someone is serving to protect that freedom. When you blog about how much the stimulus package disgusts you, someone's husband is missing their anniversary to protect that freedom. When you choose to watch one news channel over another, someone's Daddy just missed their miraculous entrance into this world to protect that freedom. When you go dove hunting on September 1st every fall, someone's son is missing their birthday to protect that freedom.

I'm not asking you to do anything for me. I'm not even asking for sympathy or a pat on the back. I just want to remind you of the sacrifices military families make for the freedom we all enjoy. Our lives are filled with months of being single parents, more missed holidays, anniversaries and birthdays than you could count and weeks without any contact with our husbands. We do it gladly because we love our husbands and our families, but it's often hard and lonely. May is Military Appreciation Month and today is specifically Military Spouse Appreciation Day. So if you know a military spouse, thank them for all that they do today. Or thank a former military spouse who made sacrifices years ago for our freedom.

Six Blessed Years

Then

I can hardly believe it's been six years since Tim and I married. I still remember so many details of that day. It was such a beautiful wedding and we had an amazing time dancing, laughing and celebrating with our friends at our reception. We had a beautiful honeymoon in San Antonio and headed to Virginia to buy our first dog (Lonestar), buy our first house and weather our first hurricane (Isabelle) - all in a week! Tim left for his first 6 month deployment and "real" life had begun for us. The honeymoon was definitely over!

I had no idea what I was getting into when I married Tim six years ago. I don't think anyone does when they get married. I had no idea how tough life could be in the Navy or simply how hard it is to love someone unselfishly day-in and day-out. But I also had no idea how much fun it would be to be married to my best friend. I couldn't have imagined the simple pleasure from a laugh exchanged over a glance because you know exactly what the other person is thinking. I didn't dream we could become so close over the bond of creating 2 little boys. And I can't even begin to comprehend all the plans the Lord has for us in the coming years of our marriage!

Thank you Tim for 6 beautiful years together and I pray for many more with you!

Now