Our current struggles and difficulties remind me of some of the war stories I’ve read over the years.

I found this old daily attitude email I thought was worth sharing again.

“We are little flames poorly sheltered by frail walls against the storm of dissolution and madness, in which we flicker and sometimes almost go out…we creep in upon ourselves and with big eyes stare into the night…and thus we wait for morning.”

― Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front

“They are more to me than life, these voices, they are more than motherliness and more than fear; they are the strongest, most comforting thing there is anywhere: they are the voices of my comrades.”

― Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front

I’ve been reading “All Quiet on the Western Front” lately (probably time for a break from the war stories). It’s difficult reading.

These two quotes reminded me of the book.

One showing the madness that is war.

One showing the unique bonds forged in battle.

I’m not sure about you, but I have a hard time with the whole “maturity and not complaining” thing.

It’s all too easy to complain and moan about some small inconvenience in my life instead of being the mature, accountable, adult I should be.

But books like this tend to sober me up pretty well.

I’ve got it pretty good compared to a rat infested trench a hundred yards or so away from people shooting at me with machine guns and trying to drop shells on my head…..for months.

And those are the lucky ones….the unlucky ones are injured or dead.

And those are just the soldiers (thank God for soldiers).

What about the single mothers?

What about the cancer patients?

What about those with meaningful struggles of all kinds?

I’m thankful for the stories of real struggles shared over the years. They put my little problems into perspective.

Ending my little pity parties doesn’t seem quite noble enough an end for stories such as these, though, right?

In the end, I (and hopefully this is a we and I’m not the only one, if it’s just me, somebody tell me quick) must honor the sacrifices and struggles of others by doing our best to leave this place better than we found it. To make a difference for others through service with love.

Make it a great day.

Jake