“I’ve been shot. I’m coming home. I likely will never walk again. Please call my parents and your parents.” – Derek Herrera, on the phone with his wife, Maura, after recovering from a gunshot wound that entered through his shoulder and lodged in his spine.
Soldiers like Derek have made sacrifices for the American people that cannot be sufficiently repaid. No amount of gratitude will restore feeling to his legs, and no amount of thanks will bring back the many soldiers who have given their lives for the good of their country. Veteran’s Day 2020 occurs Wednesday, November 11. Thank the veterans you meet. Go out of your way to meet the veterans you see. Take time to appreciate their sacrifice.
As your mind dwells on sacrifice, also think about the sacrifice Jesus made. He gave His life for the benefit of humankind. As He considered His mission, His impending death on the cross, He spoke these words, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24). Jesus thought it worth sacrificing His life to give every person a way to come to the Father (John 14:6).
Finding the right way to show appreciation for those who have sacrificed so much for our good can be difficult. Jesus told His disciples, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:13). The proper way to honor Jesus for his sacrifice is by obeying His commands. Let Him lead you through life, and He will guide you even beyond death. He will lead you to the throne of God, where you will find acceptance with everyone who has lived faithfully to Him, and there you will offer your praises to Him in person, surrounded by the glory of God forever.