Let’s admit it—there is a certain loneliness that comes with military service. Deployment brings geographic separation from loved ones. And even when there is camaraderie in the deployed unit, one can still feel a certain loneliness which accompanies maintaining a constant alert at a remote location or experiencing encroaching fear in battle.  Even when home there is a certain isolation which can occur because loved ones might not understand or appreciate the mission and calling . . . especially given the demands on schedules and families because of the ops tempo.  So whether active duty or the spouse of an active duty service member, loneliness can accompany the realities of aloneness, even if surrounded by others. So I don’t think we can remind one another too often that we are never alone. The presence of God is real and sure, and this week is a good time to say it again.

No doubt you associate March 17th each year as St. Patrick’s Day, as I do. For as long as I can remember, the date set aside to celebrate St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, has been a day dedicated to the wearing of green, to decorating with leprechauns and shamrocks, and to holding parades in locations where many Irish have settled. But little did I know that March 17th is also a holiday because of a military victory.

Have you ever needed some encouragement? Have circumstances brought you to a place where you are fearful, impatient, confused, or losing strength in the midst of life’s battles? I believe that discouragement is one of Satan’s favorite, and most effective, “fiery darts”. If this is the case, then perhaps one of the greatest gifts that we can give to each other are words of encouragement.