To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift. – Steve Prefontaine

Still not sure how it happened, but this year I have read a few books about the military and their experiences serving our country.

Two lessons in particular stick out in my mind as I think about how those experiences apply to us.

First, we have it pretty good.

Right now there are many soldiers and others enduring something uncomfortable in order to protect us. Right now they are cold or wet or in pain or just plain missing home.

Thinking about this really puts my “problems” into perspective. All the complaints and worries don’t really compare to what someone else is experiencing in order to protect me so maybe I shouldn’t worry so much.

Second, we have an obligation.

Because their sacrifice is so great, we owe them.

We owe them respect and honor when they return (and especially if they don’t).

But I think our greatest obligation to them is do and be our best. We must be worth fighting for. Worth dying for.

A country full of whiners and complainers sure would make that sacrifice seem pointless.

A country full of believers and achievers, hopers and dreamers would be worth any sacrifice.

Make it a great day.

Jake