Saturday, May 23, 2009

Simply Saturday

This week as I think of the simple pleasures in life I am reminded of the holiday weekend. Memorial Day as a kid just meant that we got to hang out with family friends all weekend and eat hot dogs, hamburgers and whatever other yummy stuff our parents decided to make. It was always enjoyed. This year, well yesterday, after reading this post, I was reminded of the sacrifices that those in our military make and have made in the past in order for us to enjoy the seemingly simple things in life.


Yesterday, I played "ring around the rosie" with the boys in our backyard and we fell on our backs laughing together. The boys stayed on their backs and looked up at the "tees, tees" (aka trees for those without a 2 year old in their home). I joined them and we stayed on our back for quite a while, considering their limited attention spans. We enjoyed watching the birds, the leaves swaying in the breeze and planes flying over head. It took me back to September 2001, when despite living near a metropolitan airport there were NO planes flying over head. It was an eerie "sound" because we are all so used to the roar of the engines on a regular basis. That plane reminded me that I am unbelievably blessed to have this freedom AND the freedom that my boys don't even understand yet but are able to enjoy.


I feel indebted to those who fight for us daily and those who have lost their lives and their loved ones in order for me and my children to have the freedoms that we do. Whether that freedom be having an ice cream cone on Memorial Day or those that are much more "significant" in the grand scheme of things. These men and women that fight for our freedoms don't know MY name, Jared's, Alex's or Eli's. They aren't sacrificing because we "deserve" it or even always appreciate it. It is what they feel called to do and for that I am very grateful.


It also makes me think of my heavenly Father who sacrificed his Son on the cross so that we could experience true freedom. I live a blessed life that would not be possible without these sacrifices, all of which, today I am very grateful for.


I guess sometimes life's "simple pleasures" come at a pretty high price and aren't as "simple" as they seem.

Happy Memorial Day!!!

5 comments:

Stephanie said...

well said. Our freedom is a blessing we must not over look. Thank you for the reminder! Have a great weekend!

Debbie said...

Very well written post. We do need to pause to thank all of those who have sacrificed it all for us. Thank you for this.

Unknown said...

Thanks for checking out my blog! You have 2 adorable little boys!! An absolute miracle. I have enjoyed looking at your blog.

Thank you for this post! I didn't grow up around anyone who was in the military, and I never understood what sacrifices the military members make. Now that I am a Navy wife, I realize the sacrifices that are made.

Design It Chic said...

I like the way you appreciate the simple things in life!
Came here from SITS to spread some cheers! You have a lovely blog!
Happy Monday!

(fellow SITSta here)

MaricrisG said...

HA! I like the "tees"! So cute. You are right, simple pleasures sometimes are paid with a high price. Happy Memorial day to you too!

visiting via Sits,
Maricris
http"//zenforyou.dalefg.net