As I watched some of the news unfold in Arizona, I could not help but think about the different ways people serve. Often, we think of the sacrifice the men and women of the armed forces make. After all, they are gone on holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. They find themselves in the most remote places of the world. They are in the path of danger daily. Believe me, I know. Been there, done that. This past week has reminded me that our debt of gratitude has to go further than our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
Think about it. Our elected officials are sacrificially serving as well. They travel continually. They are under the microscopic eye of every news and media outlet in the world. They live in a world were at best 20-30% of the people they represent will be pleased or happy with their performance. And, as evidenced again by the tragedy in Arizona, they too fall victim to physical harm. Thinking about them reminds me of a friend I have who actually laid his life down so that others could live. Now, he wasn’t a politician or a serviceman, but still my friend actually put himself in the path of death to protect others… and a lot of people don’t get that. Actually, many read his story and think he was a lunatic or a manipulator of facts. I get what he did and when I think hard about our elected officials, I get what they do.
Here in my office this morning I am drinking a warm cup of coffee while I look at snow over the pond out back. The fireplace is burning, the news is on TV, my stomach is full and I am reminded of the blessing of other people’s sacrifices. In Austin, Montgomery, Dover, Sacramento, Carson City, Santa Fe and DC this morning are heroes. Men and woman who are serving us- despite our political affiliations and the color of our ties, doing the best they can to make this place we call home a little better. I am not advocating for every policy they make… just thinking today how glad I am that they are serving.
