Today in the United States we are commemorating Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor, mourn, and remember those who died while serving our country, especially in the armed forces. As some of you know, I spent 20 years in the U.S. Army and I personally feel a sense of gratitude to those who gave what Lincoln so poignantly called “the last full measure of devotion” in his address at Gettysburg in 1863. He challenged his listeners and continues to challenge us with these words, “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.”
A little over a week ago I spent the weekend at a retreat at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, Virginia with a group from my church, St. Martin de Porres Episcopal Church. I was mostly unplugged all weekend in order to be more fully engaged with others and with the beautiful mountain setting. With my iPhone, though, I captured these images that give you a small sense of the beauty and serenity of Shrine Mont, including the outdoor cathedral that I visited each day in the early morning hours and at which we celebrated Pentecost Sunday with several other churches. Repeatedly throughout the weekend, I was captured by a sense of introspection and contemplation.
The third photo shows an extract from The Sermon to the Birds attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. Here is the full text, “My little sisters, the birds, much bounden are ye unto God, your creator, and always in every place ought ye to praise him, for that he hath given you liberty to fly about everywhere, and hath also given you double and triple raiment; moreover he preserved your seed in the ark of Noah, that your race might not perish out of the world; still more are ye beholden to him for the element of the air which he hath appointed for you; beyond all this, ye sow not, neither do you reap; and God feedeth you, and giveth you the streams and fountains for your drink; the mountains and valleys for your refuge and the high trees whereon to make your nests; and because ye know not how to spin or sow, God clotheth you, you and your children; wherefore your creator loveth you much, seeing that he hath bestowed on you so many benefits; and therefore, my little sisters, beware of the sin of ingratitude, and study always to give praises unto God.”
Today is a day set aside for us be thankful, an attitude which I believe we should cultivate every day and not just on special holidays. I can’t help but think of the Bible verses (Thessalonians 5:16-18) that say, “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.” Not long ago I heard a sermon that has prompted me to look at that verse in a new way—the pastor reminded us that the verse says to give thanks in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. We definitely cannot control our circumstances, no matter how hard we try, but we can control our response to those circumstances.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Thank you, Mike, for taking the time to craft this special post. It is very apt on this particular day – indeed, it applies to each day.
Having spent over 20 years in the Air Force, I feel a connection that some may not, to others who have served. For your service – thank you.
For all those who served but did not return: Rest In Peace.
Thank you for your service.
Thanks, Wally. My posts are often a direct reflection of what is on my mind at the moment that I sit down in front of my computer. I often don’t know in what direction I will be going when I start typing. I used a worry a bit about writing deeply personal posts, but now I am no longer afraid of speaking directly from my heart and my mind. I did not know that you were in the Air Force–I think that military service gives a person a unique perspective that pure “civilians” don’t always understand.
beautiful post, Mike!
Thanks, Therese. My writing is most often done in a stream of consciousness way and is a reflection of what is going on inside me at the moment at which I am writing.
Thank you for your service, Mike. This is a beautiful post! I have two sons serving in the Air Force. I appreciate all you’ve done and honor those who have lost their lives so I can experience freedom. I respect and admire your beliefs, words, and photos!
As a parent of servicemen, you understand the inherent risks and sacrifices involved in serving our country. I admire those who are willing to serve and especially on Memorial Day remember those who gave up their lives in that service. I try to be as open and honest in my posts as I can–the “me” you see reflected there is pretty much the real “me,” not some carefully curated social media image.
I appreciate that Mike. I find your posts very authentic and real! That’s why I love WP. I don’t have other “social media” accounts. When I began blogging, I knew I found a place to be the real me. I appreciate you!