I love holidays, mainly because they allow us to pause from our hectic daily lives and surround ourselves with family!  There’s nothing like bonding and sharing some down time together.

We were so thankful for the weather on Saturday, which allowed for an end-of-the-school-year pool party. This is something we did every year when my oldest daughter was in school, and we are blessed to be able to do this for our youngest now, too.  My 13 year old worried over this party all week long, but in the end, a great day was had by all.  I had several giggling teenagers in my pool splashing around, then they headed to the hot tub with pizza in hand!  And I sat amongst them enjoying every single minute!  I found myself throughout the day just smiling and laughing, which is good for the soul!

Blessed.

That is what I kept thinking during the whole day.

Oh, how blessed we truly are to gather together with family and friends.

And how is this possible?  Because of the freedom we have in this great country.  Freedom that was not given to us without strong men and women fighting every step of the way.  There are a lot of things we take for granted.  This should not be one of them!

I hope you took time to remember all of the fallen Soldiers yesterday on Memorial Day, but not just that.  I hope you remembered their family and friends who are left without them.  There are no more memories to be made with them, as their time on earth has ended.  All they are left to cling to are the memories of days gone by.  So when you pray, lift them up.  And when you bow your head, do so with grateful appreciation in your heart for the freedom you have because of them.