“This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom.” (Tamra Bolton)

“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.”                    (G. K. Chesterton)

“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”  (St. Ambrose)

“May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.”  (Sgt. Major Bill Paxton)

“… And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.”  (Ronald Reagan”

“Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.”  (Gen. Douglas MacArthur)

“We take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”  (Cynthia Ozick)

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”  (Harry S. Truman)

“And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.”  (Joseph Rodman Drake)

“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”  (Gen. Douglas MacArthur)

“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”  (Eleanor Roosevelt)

“It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.”                           (Norman Schwarzkopf)

“The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree.”(Thomas Campbell)

“Home of the free because of the brave.”  (unknown)

“When you go home, tell them of us and say, ‘For your tomorrows these gave their today.’“                                  (John Maxwell Edmonds)

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.  (John 15:13)

I have always enjoyed watching travel shows especially about European destinations. Recently I viewed The Daytripper that featured a tour of Midland, Texas. It may not be an exotic location, but it inspired me toward hope and resulted in today’s blogpost.

Chet Garner is creator, host, and executive producer of “The Daytripper,” a 9-time Emmy-award-winning Texas travel show that airs on PBS. It features Garner’s adventures as he explores in a single day the food, culture, and history of Texas towns.

This episode visited the childhood home of George W. Bush that is now a museum. Its  period furnishings and vintage decor took me back to my childhood. This humble home is the only site in America that has been home to two US Presidents, two governors, and a First Lady.

When Garner toured George W.’s childhood bedroom, he made a comment that caught my attention. He said something like this: When kids are young you don’t know what they will become when they grow up. I have been thinking about that simple statement and think of my baby grandson and his future.

A future and a hope….  These words give me hope as I am reminded of a verse in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. 

“‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.’”  (Jeremiah 29:11)

It also reminds me of a song that my late spouse sang many times through the years. “Shepherd Boy” by Ray Boltz is about David, who grew from the boy shepherd to become Israel’s King David, author of many psalms and subject of other Old Testament books. His life has blessed untold lives with comfort, encouragement, strength, inspiration, instruction, examples of what to do as well as what not to do. It is all because of the providence of God Who authored the Holy Bible through those who penned His story according to His plan through the ages.

“But when others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king Even though your life seems filled with ordinary things. In just a moment He can touch you, and everything will change; When others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king.” (RB)

I pray for the future of my grandchildren. Their futures are in the hands of a loving Father Who can be trusted and does all things perfectly. May I always be ready to share hope of Jesus Christ, so they will grow up knowing they each have a future and a hope.