FReeper Canteen ~ Sunday Chapel and Veterans Day ~ 11 November 07

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World | The Canteen Crew

[Kathy in Alaska]

 

 

 

 

NEVER ENOUGH TIME

While I have only been an occasional visitor to Washington, I was struck by one scene so strongly that it remains as somewhat of a reference. My first view "up close and personal" of the Pentagon was neither awe-inspiring nor intimidating. To be sure, I was impressed with the size of the building, but that was about it. What came upon me, and has stayed with me, is the image of an ant farm. An enormous one, surely, but an ant farm nonetheless.

So may passageways with so many ants constantly traveling them. Seeming endless streams of countless ants going and coming through the entrances. Since this view came on a grey, cold March morning, with barren trees and lingering winter, it seemed all the more depressing. I vowed then never to become one of those ants. I would not let myself be lost as one of the faceless, powerless, unknown minions of the "head ant" in the great farm. Not to mention the echo in my mind, that which is often considered a sarcastic oxymoron: "I'm from Washington, and I'm here to help."

Yet something else echoes in my mind. From the Christian Scriptures, the words of the Apostle Paul to the people of Colossae, chapter 4, verse 23: "Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord . . ." For it is then I remember that no matter how small or insignificant my work may seem to me or even to others, I am powerful and effective. My faith reminds me that I am known and loved by my God. More than that, as I do the work, I allow His love to flow through me. And then the work, the worker, and the workplace are transformed into something sacred and beautiful because God is there. No longer dark, dreary, and cold, but bright, cheerful, and warm is the workplace because God's work is being done. No longer nameless, faceless, and powerless, but known, loved, and empowered is the worker doing God's work. The work itself then, too, is transformed into an opportunity to share God's love and joy with others as we struggle to bring peace to His world.

CDR Brian Simpson, CHC, USN

 

 

 

[luvie]

REST IN PEACE
SSGT JOHN LINDE
LOST IN BATTLE
YOU ARE MY HERO

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good Veterans Day to you, eye. Thank you for your service to our country.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Guess what? We had snow overnight and during the day. Shoveled 3+ inches off the driveway already, and it is all white again. Did you have a good day?

[eyedigress]

It’s patriots like you that make all the difference!

[eyedigress]

Lucky one you are....(I wonder why?) :^)

[G8 Diplomat]

God bless our troops! Happy Veterans' Day!

[Kathy in Alaska]

It finally snowed here and I am off to California for my annual Thanksgiving trek on Wednesday night.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Happy Veterans Day to you too, G8....great cartoon. God Bless all our military men and women, past and present.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Meg, for the beautiful tribute to our Veterans.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, lauren....our National Anthem is protected by our Veterans.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, lauren, for your Sunday hymns.

[tongue-tied]

My heartfelt condolences jfoxbear.

[tongue-tied]

Mustering as ordered, Ma'am!!

Still here, still (or finally all the way) sick, and miserable. But life is still good....

[Kathy in Alaska]

Happy lunch time, tt...((HUGS))...

So sorry you are sick. Need any meds in your Christmas stocking?

[tongue-tied]

You know what? I had a whole sick-kit set up and packed, but decided it would just be extra weight and I could get it all here. (Ha!) So I've been taking some European cold meds, but all they do is wake you up. No help with sniffles, runny nose, or cough. Baaaah!

Maybe a jar of Vicks Vaporub, Ma, really that'd be too nice just in case my nose gets raw again. The rest I can deal with.

[Kathy in Alaska]

I’ll let Santa know......he plans on getting things on their way to the far flung corners of the world by December. Santa is wondering about Halls?

[tongue-tied]

If he can fit them in his pack, and it won't overload the reindeer - tt can always use Halls. hehehe

Did I read that you are going on vacation soon?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Happy Veterans Day, Proud Mom of such a handsome Marine. Thank you, Jonathon, for your service to our country.

[Kathy in Alaska]

I leave Wednesday night for my annual Thanksgiving trip to California, from whence I came to Alaska. I have my own room and DSL. I usually run into Santa there and I help him with stockings.

Oh, and we had about 4 inches of snow last night and today. It's 24F outside my window. Hope it sticks.

[Aeronaut]

Thank you for your kind thoughts.