donforrester1947 posted: " My tentative appointment for yesterday morning fell through. Easy enough, I could always opt to fly home early. I checked flight information and determined the added cost for doing so was more than I wanted to spend. I'd figurativel" Carpe Diem
My tentative appointment for yesterday morning fell through. Easy enough, I could always opt to fly home early. I checked flight information and determined the added cost for doing so was more than I wanted to spend. I'd figuratively "set it out", and find something to do.
Seriously, it wouldn't be a stretch for me to find something to do. After all, it is springtime. For many years, without fail, every time I came to D.C., I carved out the time to go and look at Ronnie's name on the wall. I have seen it under the scorching sun in the light of day and during the darkness of night using the flashlight on my iPhone to see more clearly.
I've visited the wall and observed others paying respects for their loved ones. I've seen people with pencil and paper making rubbings of the name they hold dear. I've stood alone and paid my respects, while wiping away tears that seemingly surfaced out of nowhere.
It is strange how a name etched in stone can evoke so many memories and heartfelt emotions. Max Lucado refers to it as the "wailing wall of our generation."
The impact of the uniform letters that spell out over fifty-eight thousand names defies description. When it comes to The Wall, the fallen are on a level playing field - privates and general's alike. There is no difference in how much space is allotted for each letter of their names. They are all the same.
Each name represents someone's son or daughter and a lineage of family members and friends too numerous to mention. It is actually beyond comprehension. Filling free time in Washington can easily be accomplished.
Yesterday, the springtime morning was cooled by a misting rain and gentle breeze. The rain wasn't enough for an umbrella and too much not to have one. I suspect you know what I'm talking about.
I decided to walk around the Tidal Basin where the Jefferson Monument is located. If I remember correctly, the concrete walk-way around that area measures three miles.
I discovered a picturesque view of cherry trees in bloom. They were more brilliant than I've ever seen them. When you think about it, the contrast between The Wall of stone and the emerging beauty of cherry blossoms signaling God's creative ability in making that which appeared lifeless come to life again is a message that brings hope.
For me, a cool damp morning walk was an insignificant price of admission to be reminded that the gift of springtime is a reminder of the eternal nature of God's love and his ability to bring that which appears dead back to life.
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