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| Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery |
Recently I was able to spend some very special time with my husband in Washington, DC. This year in September we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary...woooohoooo! Not only have we made it, but every day, week, month and year has gotten better and better as we live out God's wonderful plans for our lives. Since we have 5 beautiful little blessings to care for, we decided to just pick the date that worked best and go celebrate. That happened to be Memorial Day weekend. Pat and I are both history buffs and had a great time visiting all of the memorials, museums and national landmarks we could fit into 3 days! On Memorial Day we decided we would visit Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Not having been to Arlington before, I was not prepared for what I was about to see. There was a special ceremony planned that day, and so we were shuttled up to the amphitheater on a tram. On the way, I was stunned by the thousands upon thousands of gravesites we were passing. I read the stones as quickly as I could as we rode through. I was amazed as I read names on stones placed as early as the mid-1800's for people of all races, ethnicities, backgrounds and ranks who died in service to our country.
When the ceremony was over, we were able to visit the Tomb and see the changing of the guards. It was incredible to watch. I believe the thing that struck me the most was the inscription. It reads, "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God." Due the unfortunate events of war, the body of the soldier lying in that tomb was never identified, yet the memory of his life of sacrifice lives on - he is not forgotten.
Sometime in the everyday routine of life, we may feel as though God has lost sight of where we are and the dreams in our hearts. It can be difficult to carry big things in your heart that haven't yet manifested. I remember many days of battles in my mind when the enemy would come and tempt me to give up on the plan of God and set my own course. There seemed to be easier paths to take that would bring a sense of instant satisfaction, but I knew on the inside nothing would ever satisfy me except for the perfect will of God!
Years later as I sit and write this blog, I can testify to being one of the happiest women alive! Today I am living the dreams God placed in my heart from my childhood. I can say with the songwriter, "Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come." This path has not always been easy, but is has brought me more blessings and fulfillment than I could have ever dreamed! The sacrifices God required of me were simply seeds sown that have now blossomed into a life filled with the supernatural power of God. I have watched God lead my family down paths that I could have never forged on my own, and work miracles that only He can get the glory for.
So my friend, today I want you to know this - God knows right where you are and He is doing everything He can to bring your destiny to pass. My counsel to you is to give Him what He needs to work with! Stay in faith, walk in love, pray, and whatever your assignment in this moment, give God your very best! Your faithfulness today is qualifying you for the days of glory that lie ahead. Some days the sacrifices you make may seem great, but they are working in your favor as they open the door for the supernatural to flow through your life. You have His Word that in this life He will never leave you, nor forsake you. Hold fast your profession of faith dear one - you are not forgotten!
