Learning something important on St. Martin's Day

I learned something today.

I learned that you shouldn't try to put certain aspects of your life on hold just because they will be completely different in 192 days.

I think I already knew this. I know I did. But it was just easier to ignore it.

I haven't really been "all there" to the rest of the world as I should be. I keep thinking that it will be a much easier, cleaner break, if I just sort of keep myself from getting too "involved." Know what I mean?

And really, it just seems like so much extra effort that will yield no results except disappointments, and doubts, and tearful good byes.
If I know I'm going to be gone, then I will have put all this effort and energy, and most of all, myself, into something that won't be here in a few months.

Except, it will be here. And so will I. I mean, I won't be *here,* in Austin, Texas, but I'll be here.

And really, isn't that what today is all about? People, who gave up parts of *their* lives, so that we could all be here?

They didn't know how it would all turn out. They didn't know if what they gave would matter, or change, or be enough. They didn't even know if they would be remembered. And they did it anyway.

Because you don't give something of yourself as an investment, looking to collect on your return. And you don't withhold parts of yourself because you might get hurt or disappointed.

 You give something of yourself because that's the right thing to do.
 It's what you *ought* to do.

And thanks to our Veterans, we are all free to do what we ought.

I better get to it

Thank you for praying for me St. Martin. It did help.

Patron Saint of Soldiers

Lord, if Your people need me, I will not refuse the work. Your will be done.

- St. Martin of Tours