November 11

My grandmother's grandfather fought in the Civil War and came home a changed man.  He was actually a young man when he fell victim to heatstroke in the war.  He suffered all his life from the effects of that.  As she told me the story, he couldn't bear to be in the sun for very long and needed to stay as cool as was possible in those days in the summer; before AC, of course.

Those of us who have never been in war don't know the many, many hardships.  We think of bombs, and guns, and lack of home comforts. We may think of the loneliness and fear.  But, there are other hardships such as climate and food and many more that I can't even imagine.

Almighty God, please be near our men and women in the military and those who serve the military.  Grant them strength, wisdom, and courage.  Help them to feel that you are near and to know that they are loved.  In Jesus' name, Amen.