Keep the home fires burning. I grew up hearing that saying, but never understood what it meant until our son entered the military and was deployed.
Then, and only then, did I understand the cold fear that comes from having a loved one in a war zone. After my son left for his second tour in the Middle East, my mind would drift to endless possibilities…Would this be our last picture together as a family? Would this be the last time I heard his voice? Would this be the last time I saw his smile?
But through it all, God showed me how fruitless it was to focus on things that hadn’t yet—or might never—happen.
Read More: Positive Thoughts from Norman Vincent Peale
Dwelling on all the bad possibilities takes a lot of energy and effort. It pulls the life out of us, and it can sink us when we most need to be strong. Holding on to the blessings we have may feel impossible. But when we turn to God for strength, He will provide.
Our military men and women need us to stay strong and keep the home fires burning, no matter what fears we’re facing.
