Farewell, Trace

Yesterday we had to say good bye to our cat, Trace. This adorable little cat came into our lives about 6 years ago. She had the sweetest disposition of any cat I have ever known. She was a little heater while curled up next to you or in your lap. She was most talkative early in the morning.

She was a gentle cat. She never attacked anything other than a pecan. She would bat that pecan all around the house. We found it in some interesting places.

She chose my daughter as her caregiver. She slept with my daughter. Oh, she'd let others feed her and pet her but my daughter belonged to her.

Trace will be missed. Yet, I thank God that He allowed us the time with her. No, we don't know what happened. She got ill quickly. The Vet indicated it might have been a brain issue, tumor or injury. Reflection leads us to believe that she probably had a tumor.

Our hearts are heavy and tears come easily. But, we are comforted by the One who created her and sustained her. How much more we are loved by Him.

(Father God, thank you for Trace. She reflected the awesome design that You put into each of Your creatures. She enriched our lives and reminded us of You continually. Thank You for holding our hearts in Your hands as we grieve. Thank You for loving us. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.)

What about Memorial Day?

Jeptha Wilson Frunk was my great-uncle, the oldest brother of my grandmother.  He never married, nor had any children.  He served in the US Army during World War II and died in action July 3, 1944, in France.  He is the closest relative that I have lost to combat.  Yet, each time I see my own son’s name, I am reminded of the sacrifice that Jeptha made.  You see, he carries Jeptha’s middle name as a constant memorial.

I am considered a part of Generation X.  We are so comfortable with technology- using it, always having it.  I even drafted my notes for this on my cell phone.  But, technology has removed the personal touch of war.  I am a US Navy veteran that served stateside support during the Gulf War, a conflict marked by the use of technology.  Casualties of this war for us were few.  Of the 575,000 troops and support sent, there were 148 combat deaths.  So, in general, my generation doesn’t have a clue about Memorial Day.  We have redefined this day to meet our own selfish desires.  Sadly, Memorial Day has become the beginning of the summer pleasure seeking season.

I challenge those of you that fall in Generation X and beyond, to not let the true meaning of Memorial Day get lost.  Today, with your children and parents, search your family tree.  Find out who didn’t make it home from conflict.  Post their photo on your wall.  Celebrate their life. Talk of their sacrifice.  Add them to your Facebook or My Space page.  Twitter about them.  Share with any who will listen that the honor with which these service members gave all, is an honor to God.  As we are instructed in Psalm 78:4, do not hide this from the children.  Show this to the generations to come.  Show the wonderful works that the Lord has done.  

(Father God, thank you for this country in which I live.  Thank you for the service members that honor you by giving their life for the liberty we possess.  Please bless their sacrifice.  In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.)