Sweet Shot Tuesday

This past Sunday, my grandfather (G-daddy as I think of him) was honored for teaching Sunday School for 60 years.

Sixty.
Six decades.
Over half a century.
Wow.

G-daddy has also been a deacon, church plumber, handy-man...a steady presence in the churches he has been a part of. He also ministered by driving my great-grandmother to the mountains of our state (when my Dad was younger) so she could carry out her calling- ministering to Cherokee Native Americans. G-daddy and my great-grandmother, along with my Nana, would dispense clothing that they'd spent the year collecting, teach basic skills and share their faith with the people for whom my great-grandmother held in her heart. Without G-daddy's help that wouldn't have been a possibility.

My Nana was also honored for her diligent service over the years. She wasn't expecting it....she was delighted none-the-less! Among her other activities that she's involved with, she's the church treasurer. Good with numbers, she is.

So there you have it. My Sweet Shot Tuesday. My faithful grandparents.

May they continue to be blessed as they have continually blessed others!

To them it was just a job...

"It's just a job," my husband tells me. He often refuses any acknowledgement of his service in the military. He has stacks of certificates, plaques and commendations that he's earned over the years tucked away in his closet. The only time we see his "stack" of ribbons and medals is when he has to break out the dress blues for a wedding, funeral or inspection. That stack has become considerable.

I've noticed that he's not the only one to eschew any praise or acknowledgements that are offered. Many see their service as "just a job". There's nothing wrong with that. It may be a mindset that helps them cope or see their demanding jobs through. Demanding, by the way, is such a gross understatement. They are asked to give everything and more...sometimes on a daily basis.

Where is my place in all this? I stand, I watch, I support, I love, I forgive and I understand. I stand for him when others may not be able to, I watch out for him when his eyes are focused on others, I support him when he can't hold himself up, I love him for who he is not for who he thinks he should be, I forgive him because the obligations placed on his shoulders aren't his fault, and I understand because that's what he needs, not judgements.

To my Marine~ My love, I may not see every sacrifice you make for our family and others', but I know that they're being made all the same. Thank you.