With ten minutes left on the clock, Danielle said, “We could stay.” Well, 10 minutes on the clock meant at least another 30 minutes in reality, I mused back. So, while waiting for our tab, and being obvious about rooting for the RedHawks, the couple seated nearby noticed we were cheering.

 

We had to brag about our daughter and her being an alum of Miami. That’s when the better half of the two said her son, a senior in high school, was considering Miami. We told them it’s a great school. They’d heard that, too. She then continued, saying he was also considering joining the military. I said, “He can’t go wrong with that; that’s an honorable thing to do.” I continued, sharing that I served for nine years—one of the best decisions I ever made. 

 

That’s when the quiet one of the two chimed in. He said, “Thank you for your service. I was in the Marines.”

A fellow Vet. “Thank you for your service as well,” I quipped. “Had I known a Marine would be seated next to me, I would’ve brought a coloring book and some crayons along with me.” My new friend shared the laugh. We continued to talk about our time in the service; it was fascinating learning what he did and where.

 

If you’ve ever served in our nation’s military, you know the gratitude you have for another vet. It doesn’t matter what branch, when they served, or what they did. Just the fact they served is reason to give thanks. While I didn’t ask my Marine neighbor his name—and I wish I had—I consider him a friend, just for his service to our great nation. And for him and all the men and women who’ve given so much to our nation, I must thank the Lord. 

Jesus said,