ACTIVE DUTY 

                  written February 13, 2003 

             by Kathy Stevens 

Recently I heard about a local Doctor being called up for "active duty". I wondered, silently, hasn't he already been in active duty? Yes, he has been in active duty on a daily basis as he helped heal the sick and wounded. I am thankful for him and all who serve in this "active duty" of war. 

Suppose each day as you get ready for our many activities, you take the time to search inside the mirror and decide just who you are, what is your purpose. Then consider this question....Just what is my active duty?

Singing to babies, visiting Grandparents, reading to children, lunching with friends, Perhaps writing your history, watering your plants, attending school, picking up liter, fighting a fire, saving a life. 

Creating a spreadsheet, painting the sunrise, giving a dose of medicine, or worshiping the Lord. Donating coats, making a quilt, teaching a class, even smiling at strangers. 

Are we not all engaged in active duty? From day to day as you perform each small, each medium, each large task of blessing lives, protecting and encouraging the lives of those around us, you are doing just that. Men, women and children, as unsung heroes, you show you care each day as you live just as you have been taught, to do you duty. 

Whatever your "active duty" is....Hats off to You. 

You are the best of the best, you who take time and energy using your gifts and talents to enrich others lives. Let us keep the home fires burning, a light in the window, and a place in our hearts for each other, the heroes of our cities and of our nation. You are great. You are many and come in all shapes and colors, but wear the same uniform, the uniform of loyalty and love.