It’s a rainy day here in Macon, but it’s still a red, white, and blue day today.  Veterans Day.  A day to remember, honor, and thank those who have served in the different branches of our country’s military.  From the colonial minutemen with their muskets at Lexington and Concord to those in uniform today, so many have given their time, strength, and some, their lives for our freedom.  Take a moment today and give thanks to the Lord for our freedom and for those who have served in time of peace and time of war to protect it.  And as you are out and about, if you notice that cap, that shirt, that license plate, or anything else that may indicate one who served, take a moment and thank them.  They’ll appreciate it.  By the way, it’s not a bad idea to do that year-round!  There’s something else I’d like to mention.  As I look back on my life, there are many veteran soldiers of Christ who have faithfully taught, lived, and defended the faith and have been an influence and blessing to me over the years.  I imagine you have some of those veterans in your life, too.  Just as it’s proper and good to express thanks to those who served our country, I believe it’s also proper and good to extend a word of gratitude to those spiritual “veterans” you know.  Perhaps it’s that one who led you to Christ, that Sunday school teacher who helped you grow in the Word, that pastor that God used to solidify your walk in Christ, or that parent or grandparent who charted the course and set the example you follow today.  Take time to thank God for them and then thank them for how God used them.  The Apostle Paul did that in his writings, such as Philippians 1:3: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”  So, thank the veterans you see today.  But why not also find a way to thank that faithful soldier of the cross who’s made a difference in your life?  It’s good to be grateful!