A short note this Thanksgiving Day. Many years ago, when I resigned from a Government Contract Company, I was gifted a small pocket watch by a fellow military professional and LEO Investigator (J.M.). On the watch she had engraved “…The Harder You Work, The Harder It Is To Surrender…”.

I am looking at the watch this morning and reflecting again on how these words defined my approach to life and work back then.  In some ways, they still apply today (smile).

As you may know, our community of Lighthouse View Readers is made up of: former military professionals, former LEOs, and former Bomb Techs.  Still others are business professionals (past and present), military and/or civilian family members, and supporting Brothers and Sisters in Christ working in various forms of ministry and support.  Each of you has been, or is in, a significant leadership position(s).  

Some are raising families (the most challenging role in many ways), some have provided or are providing support as caregivers, and still others are active Analysts and or First Responders supporting our nation’s needs.  We are a diverse group.

Suppose you will pardon my assumptions.  This author is persuaded, You and I fellow readers work hard to do the best we can with what we have.  We generally set a high standard for ourselves and for the tasks we were (or are) assigned.  We like to finish what we start.  It is who we are, in my opinion…. And it is God who has gifted us to ‘pull it off’. 

Our ‘working hard’ is accomplished not just by our vision and labor, but also by the Team and/or Persons we are supporting or working with.  It is a Team Effort in Life, in Work, and in Family.  And yes, J.M., it is hard to surrender being part of that Team.

This Thanksgiving I am grateful to our Lord who saw fit to Gift me the chance to be a member of so many families.  My own earthly family, my family of fellow professionals (military, LEO, Contracting, etc,) each with many opportunities to serve.  This Thanksgiving I am thankful to all those who allowed my to serve and be part of their family. 

Today, I am also grateful to God who allows me to continue to be a small part of God’s Team in this time and space.  To have been a leader and follower in the many roles He has gifted me over these nearly 75 years of life on this planet.

As you reflect on your own life, my fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am persuaded that we each share the same gratitude to God.  

And I think we also share, in our own way, the words gifted to me by J.M..  We are all, truly, those quite professionals.  Proud to serve in many roles and thankful to our Lord who has given us the gifts and the purpose to do so.

 “…In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you…”. (12 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)

Thanks, Ladies and Gentlemen, for being fellow leaders and, at times, followers.  May we each continue to learn to ‘hold the line’, through Christ Jesus, in our assigned labors and delegate when we can (smile), as difficult as that may be at times. “…We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength…”

P.S. Thanks, Judy. Hope you and your family are well.

With the most profound respect to each of you.

Soli Deo Gloria
LEO BT Chaplain B

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