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10 Minutes Peace
by Susan McGrath
This week I attended a Veteran's Day ceremony at our city park with my son. At age seven he was not too sure about what was going on, but was pleased to be there with the other Scouts.
In our small town the agenda is short and simple. But included each year are women of the VFW Auxiliary laying a wreath at the foot of a statue honoring our fallen men and women of the armed forces.
As the wreath was solemnly placed at the base of the statue, the crowd stood quietly. Then came the twenty-one gun salute and playing of taps.
As I tried to explain to my son what they were doing, another image came to mind. The shape of the wreath became that of a crown. Rather than a statue, I pictured Christ.
Flashback to last summer, as I attended a Christ in Youth conference with my youth group. I found myself in the middle of the most moving combination of worship and revival service I have ever witnessed.
These teens, some committed to a lifetime of godly service and some who didn't yet know Christ, were asked to lay their crowns (cardboard ones from Burger King provided by us sponsors) at the foot of a large cross in the front.
Throughout the evening they were invited to go to one of several stations around the auditorium and commit, confess, cry -- whatever they felt was necessary to meet God there.
Hundreds did. Without embarrassment. Many without delay, knowing that everyone in the room supported them and was lifting them up in prayer. (How many of us would feel comfortable doing that in our home congregation?)
Several of the kids from my group still remember that as a pivotal point in their relationship with Christ. For a couple of them, it was the beginning. But for everyone there that night, it was evidence of how the Spirit moves when we cast our crowns before a gracious Savior and give ourselves up wholly to Him.
At least once a year we honor and remember veterans who sacrificed. But we need to be casting our crowns daily before the Lord, thanking Him for his love and grace, seeking to serve and just lifting our hands and voices in praise!
"They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.' " -- Revelation 4:10-11
Rate it:
a recovering journalist trying to encourage others and glorify God through writing;
living the small-town life with husband Tim and sons Lincoln, 12, and Sawyer, 6;
completing a few put-off writing projects while using chocolate for therapy.
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