Stand and Salute…

Stand and Salute…

Our world is so crazy that sometimes I look around in amazement. No, I'm not going to get too political. My husband and I got away for a quick ballgame this past weekend. We don't get to do that often, together anyway. I'm usually going with a friend, and he is working. We both love softball, and watching our favorite team is a stress reliever. At the beginning of the game, the usual pregame festivities took place. At the appointed time, the announcer asked the crowd to rise and remove their covers for the singing of the National Anthem. We all stood, the caps were taken off by some, some people saluted while others did not, and two sisters began to sing. As I listened, watching the flag fly in the breeze, the construction site across the street caught my attention. I glanced over, and there were three young men standing where you see the ones in the photo above. They had their hats removed, I could see one's hand placed over his heart, and they were all quiet and still. They faced the flag, listened, and applauded when the young ladies were through singing. (Above is a photo taken of the young men, with additional friends, taking a small break and watching some ladies softball.)

I couldn't help but begin to think why this was amazing to me. You see, today, we don't see patriotism displayed everywhere. The crowd at the game is a great example. Many didn't remove their hats or caps. Many did not cover their heart, and many didn't even look up from phones, stop at the concession stand, bathroom lines, or lines to get their "beverage". But these men stopped. Why? I know the Bible says there is no one good, Romans 3:10-12. But, I see those who care. I see those who try to be kind. There are still many who believe in what it means to be an American. There are still many who believe in manners, the American way, and yes, God. There are still so many who need Jesus. But there are Christians here to teach them about Jesus instead of worrying about all the "bad" that is in the world. This are so many examples of Jesus' love and kindness around us.

Now, you may not believe just because someone stands for the National Anthem, that makes them kind. But, in this case I do, because of the situation and the simple fact that these men did not have to. No one told them to stand. No one told them to quit working and listen. No one told them to be respectful. I choose to see things in our world that portray the image of God, His teachings of love, kindness, goodness. I choose to believe that God is present in the small details. He is present in the reminders of our love for others. He is present in the sight of young men standing quietly with respect. He is present around us if we stop and look. His presence is in our midst. I choose to focus on Him. Proverbs 11:27, "Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it."