"The LORD said to Moses, "Now the day of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, where I will commission him." So Moses and Joshua came and presented themselves at the tent of meeting." Deuteronomy 31:14
What a blessing to have participated in the first annual TEAM RWB Veterans Day Half Marathon and 4 mile run on Saturday, November 7th. Held at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, MO, it not only was a celebration of the upcoming Veteran's Day Holiday but a fundraiser to help the home purchase a van for the aging soldiers living there. As my friends and I lined up at the start with about 100 other runners, many generations of soldiers were in attendance - some now serving, some veterans of recent wars and some of decades old battles who shared one common cause... protecting our freedom and our right to worship as did another brave and courageous generation that went before them and yet another before them.
And as I watched the interactions of the former soldiers with the active duty ones, I was reminded of the story of Moses and Joshua. It's the story of what you could say is a veteran "passing on the torch" to the next generation. You see when Moses became old and his work was completed, the Lord instructed him to, "Call Joshua and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, where I will commission him." At that time, "The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: "Be strong and courageous... and I myself will be with you." (v.23) You see, when God commissions his soldiers, he knows that they will be in a battle that will not be easy. And as the older generation prepared the younger, God promised to be there with them helping them to be what he called them to be... strong and courageous.
So, as we prepare to celebrate this day to honor American veterans of all wars, may we take a moment to thank them for their strength, courage, service to our country and for preparing the next generation of veterans because as Cynthia Ozick once wrote, "We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude."
Thank you to TEAM RWB for a fantastic race and an experience that blessed both the runners and the veterans. Looking forward to next year!
Heavenly Father, thank you for our veterans who had the strength and courage to fight for our freedom to enjoy everything we love in this country. I pray that you would grant them peace and the respect they deserve for preserving our privilege to worship you, Lord. May we take the time to thank them and pray for each one and their families. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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| Gotta love crazy friends! |
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| Absolutely one of the best half marathons ever!! |
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