In a short time, my youngest brother will leave for Afghanistan. He has been many places in his young life.
Some places close,
some far,
some for pleasure,
some for war.
Though I have no peace about him leaving to this place, I know this is the life he has chosen. Like many others, he is willing to live in discomfort so that we might live comfortably. He is willing to sacrifice sleeping in his bed each night with his spouse, so that I might snuggle up to the warmth of a loving body. He is ready to climb up mountains with thousands of pounds of gear and ammunition, so that I can walk the sidewalks of town pushing my stroller. He will soon trek halfway across the world to fight a mean and bloody battle, so that I am freely able to sit in the comfort of my home and read to my children at bedtime.
Thank you for what you do for me, Stoney. I hope my girls always know the world as a field of flowers with the ones they love. May the work you do not be in vain. May it be all you hope and desire. And may we all live to see the fruit of the trees you are planting.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
4 comments:
So eloquently said, PJ! I know that one day my brother will be doing the same thing, though he is still in training. My God be with you, Stoney and the whole family! We love and miss you guys!
Thank you Stoney (and Alli) for all you do and all of your many sacrifices. We are so proud of you too and of course eternally grateful.
Love, Shea & Family
Your parents raised THREE very giving children, and how we all have benefited in many ways from the kindness and selflessness of each one of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I will be thinking lots about Stoney as he travels again.
Much love.
MY SWEET GIRLS. God blesses me with wonderful parents, siblings who are my best friends and an angel of a wife. But God's blessings know no bounds. The past several months Alison and I have had the opportunity to fall head over heels in love with the little girls in our lives: Trinity, Selah, Micah, Clara, Jacy, Emory. Fighting for the untamed and limitless future of those sweet girls is one of the most fulfilling reasons I pursue this calling. I love you PJ. Thank you. Your little bro.
Post a Comment