by Lilly Mantra

Created on: April 24, 2008

An opportunity to grow,
Inspire, learn, achieve new mile stones,
The decorations that the soldiers wear,
Celebrating the virtuousness they've shown.

A chance to expand,
Broaden horizons, spread wings, take flight.
Confident, secure, yet illusive -
Looking beyond the vision that gives us sight.

Increased power to make decisions,
Foundations for determining right from wrong -

The truths that we encounter,
Building conviction, making us strong.

Arising at alternatives,
Contemplating all possible outcomes.
How others will be effected,
By the things that we have done.

The great merging of cause and effect,
Understanding repercussions,
Standing by our decisions,
Ending all needless discussions.

The insight to look ahead,
The wisdom to look back,
The wit and awareness obtained,
So identify potential cracks.

Embracing a lack of perfection,
Kneeling before the Lord,
Gracefully giving ultimate power to Him -
Laying down our sword.

Fairness and loyalty,
Gratitude and thanks flowing within,
Asking for forgiveness -
Identifying our own sins.

For with great responsibility,
Comes the weight of important decision-making,
A sanctifying relationship,
One that includes giving before taking.

It is those who recognize their power,
But are guided by humility and grace,
That value their responsibility wisely,
Honesty worn upon their face.

For they are the great leaders of our nation,
Both the large and the small,
That guide us through example,
Protecting the lives of us all.

For they are the American soldiers,
For freedom, their great responsibility,
Taking oaths to defend our lands -
Save the lives of you and me.

Unburdened with prestige,
Not needing to divulge their names.
For they are marked with great responsibility,
But all human, just the same.

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