(re-post from Saturday, September 13, 2008)
On Thursday, we sat at one of our favorite restaurants and afterwards went to a Starbucks to just talk. In some ways it was as if he had not been gone since last Christmas, yet at the same time there was so much to catch up on.
He had not changed. I know that we often hear that being in the war, men come back changed. Yet, Courtney had not changed. Still the same guy …….but he was more mature as a result of what he saw. Don’t get me wrong…..I think he was very mature before he left but clearly he had grown because of what he had seen and done.
He came back with a greater appreciation for other cultures. This is a guy born in Italy and has traveled. It is different living with other cultures and helping restore their dignity and freedom, than just visiting.
He came back with a renewed vision that each of us can make a difference.
From a dad, here is what I know….It is so great to have him home. I felt that God has blessed us with a pretty remarkable son. Billie and I prayed that God would protect him….but more than just protect….. we wanted God to use him mightily.
Here is what I also know….
1. There are some who are reading this who have lost a loved one. I cannot explain why some come home to us and others do not. But, my heart goes out to you and I pray that God will give you a peace that “passes all understanding.”
2. There are some who have loved ones currently serving in dangerous places. I will continue to wear a yellow bracelet to remind me to pray for them.
3. The world is a dangerous place and if we have nothing deemed worth fighting and even dying for we probably have nothing worth living for.
Final thought: Billie and I are so very grateful for so many who prayed for Courtney and our family. Thank you.
