Of Prison & Cross Stitch

I had an interesting discussion with two family members who are Air Force veterans.  They were noticing a pattern; their neighborhood is divided in to two obvious groups—those who decorated for Memorial Day, and those who didn’t.  Those who surrounded their yards with American flags are average citizens.  Those who didn’t (including my family) are veterans.  They commented on the seeming irony that they, as veterans, simply didn’t feel the need to vigorously wave the flag.  I didn’t find this ironic, but I wasn’t sure why.  I finally came to some conclusions, and I share them with you below:

The symphony orchestra never applauds for itself; it allows the audience to do it.  The orchestra applauds the first chair violinist.  The first chair violinist applauds the maestro.  But the standing ovations, the reviews, the praise all comes from the listener who did nothing but enjoy the benefits of the musician’s hard work.

The famous surgeon may hang a plaque of honor in his office, but he doesn’t put up a banner touting his accomplishments.  It is the patient whose life was saved that thankfully shouts to the world, “This man saved my life!”

Mothers don’t send themselves a card on Mother’s Day, congratulating themselves for enduring the pain and agony of childbirth and parenthood.  But “her children rise up and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 31)

Neither the Michelangelos or Maya Angelous of a civilization hold up their work, explaining its brilliance to all who will see.  They simply give of their souls, and their work speaks for itself to every soul that looks upon it.

Scripture tells us that “the laborer is worthy of his hire.”  And so he is.  The United States Veteran needn’t wave the flag proudly, proclaiming the greatness of liberty.  It is written in their souls, in knowledge of a job well done.  They alone know the truth of what really is given and sacrificed to afford freedom to an unsuspecting (and sometimes undeserving) public.

The orchestra politely bows in tandem to the applause of an audience.  The surgeon smiles and acknowledges the thanks of a grateful patient.  The mother accepts childish drawings and dandelion bouquets, the awkward and inadequate appreciation of a loving child.  The artist holds his breath as praised is lavished upon him; perhaps he wonders if his work will ever truly be understood. 

So from those of us who never risked life or limb for our country…..from those of us who truly enjoy and appreciate the freedoms that you have protected….Allow us our flag waving and noisy patriotic celebration.  We acknowledge we may never truly appreciate or understand what you, the veteran, have sacrificed.  But we are thankful.  In our clumsy, inadequate way, it’s simply our way of saying, “Thanks for a job well done!”

I had an interesting discussion with two family members who are Air Force veterans.  They were noticing a pattern; their neighborhood is divided in to two obvious groups—those who decorated for Memorial Day, and those who didn’t.  Those who surrounded their yards with American flags are average citizens.  Those who didn’t (including my family) are veterans.  They commented on the seeming irony that they, as veterans, simply didn’t feel the need to vigorously wave the flag.  I didn’t find this ironic, but I wasn’t sure why.  I finally came to some conclusions, and I share them with you below:

The symphony orchestra never applauds for itself; it allows the audience to do it.  The orchestra applauds the first chair violinist.  The first chair violinist applauds the maestro.  But the standing ovations, the reviews, the praise all comes from the listener who did nothing but enjoy the benefits of the musician’s hard work.

The famous surgeon may hang a plaque of honor in his office, but he doesn’t put up a banner touting his accomplishments.  It is the patient whose life was saved that thankfully shouts to the world, “This man saved my life!”

Mothers don’t send themselves a card on Mother’s Day, congratulating themselves for enduring the pain and agony of childbirth and parenthood.  But “her children rise up and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 31)

Neither the Michelangelos or Maya Angelous of a civilization hold up their work, explaining its brilliance to all who will see.  They simply give of their souls, and their work speaks for itself to every soul that looks upon it.

Scripture tells us that “the laborer is worthy of his hire.”  And so he is.  The United States Veteran needn’t wave the flag proudly, proclaiming the greatness of liberty.  It is written in their souls, in knowledge of a job well done.  They alone know the truth of what really is given and sacrificed to afford freedom to an unsuspecting (and sometimes undeserving) public.

The orchestra politely bows in tandem to the applause of an audience.  The surgeon smiles and acknowledges the thanks of a grateful patient.  The mother accepts childish drawings and dandelion bouquets, the awkward and inadequate appreciation of a loving child.  The artist holds his breath as praised is lavished upon him; perhaps he wonders if his work will ever truly be understood. 

So from those of us who never risked life or limb for our country…..from those of us who truly enjoy and appreciate the freedoms that you have protected….Allow us our flag waving and noisy patriotic celebration.  We acknowledge we may never truly appreciate or understand what you, the veteran, have sacrificed.  But we are thankful.  In our clumsy, inadequate way, it’s simply our way of saying, “Thanks for a job well done!”