"A soldier doesn't fight because he hates what is in front of him. A soldier fights because he loves what he left behind." - unknown

"God is our refuge and strength. He will protect us and make us strong" (ps 46:1). For those who will fly today, for those who are there now, and for those who will soon join the fight, Lord, shield them from all evil, strengthen their hearts, and bring them home safely.


Saturday, June 11, 2011

Landing Zone

A box landed on my porch today.

Okay it wasn't just a box - it was a very large, very green 'tough box' - and it didn't "land" nor was it on the porch. The very nice mailman carried it into my foyer and carefully placed it on my floor.

I have no idea why I asked him to put it there. I don't know why I didn't open the garage and put it in there instead. I wasn't thinking about it or maybe I was just rushed. Friends were over and I would have to leave them a moment to open the garage - not to mention that the garage is currently still full of some moving items (mainly gear) and I would have to find a place for it. So anyway, it is sitting in my foyer. I haven't opened it. I really need to to check the contents but I'm not ready.

I'm not ready for the sand.

I don't want sand in this house until his worn boots bring it in. And then I will be grateful for it because his boots will, for the first time, step into this house - our home - that he has never lived in. His boots that will have carried him home to safety will bring sand from a war-zone. The boots that carry flesh and blood and life with each and every step will have brought him home to me. The sand that covers his uniforms, fills all of the little pockets, and shakes from the ties of his boots will be a constant reminder that he is home, he is alive, he is safe.

Oh, I will take that sand.

I will keep on waiting, keep on moving, keep on praying, because I hang on to that dusty day.

That day when his sandy boots, again, sit just inside our door.

6 comments:

  1. My husband's footlocker arrived just a few days ago. I have never been so happy to see a plastic Army box in my life. Don't laugh, but it was really weird to see it being delivered along with the bills and a magazine. Not sure how I expected it to arrive, but when I realized what it was that this poor mailman was schlepping up our driveway, it just hit me: We're so close to being done with this deployment.

    Anyways, I haven't opened it yet, but I'm grateful to you for the forewarning--in truth, I had forgotten about the sand!

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  2. Getting that first tough box is such an indescribably awesome feeling. :)

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  3. I am so excited for you!!! You're in the homestretch!!! Bet your boys were excited to see the tough box too! :)

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  4. I am so happy for you! We are keeping you guys in our prayers!

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