Lessons From A VeteranFrom the Battle of the Bulge…

A WWII Battle of the Bulge Veteran.

A man who typically accepted whatever life handed him and moved on…

Found that the memories of the brokenness & devastation from that battle left a shadow of questions that haunted him.

For years he did his best to cope, while raising a large family, and tending to a farm.

When his youngest grandchildren started asking about the war he found some healing by sharing stories with family and fellow veterans.

However, the questions themselves remained…

60 years after the battle he accompanied a number of veterans back to those battlefields.

Considering the devastation of the homes, the cities and the lives that were directly impacted he was not sure what kind of a welcome they would receive.

Much to his surprise, everywhere they went they treated as heroes!

On one particular day he was given the opportunity to choose a destination on his own, and was accompanied by only a guide, an interpreter, and his son.

Everywhere they went that day, that man was received with the same appreciation and honor that the group had been receiving.

City Officials came out to meet him, applaud him and shake his hand. Bed-ridden grandparents sent their grandchildren out to thank him.

The veteran was shocked by the reactions he was getting and finally voiced his thoughts…

“How can you be so grateful when we left your homes, cities & country in such devastation?”

The guide was a Belgium citizen that had became a political prisoner when the Nazi’s invaded and spent time in a concentration camp.

His simple response was delivered with a spirit of gratitude and understanding…

“You can’t have an omelet, without first breaking the eggs.”

When the light of that truth met the darkness in that man’s memories, he began to realize that the destruction he thought he was a part of, was the catalyst for hope, freedom & healing to begin.

That man was my Grandfather.

This week we honor our veterans, many of whom have experienced significant brokenness for our freedom.

Over the next few weeks we move into a busy holiday season that frequently amplifies the pain of those that are feeling broken.

Look for them in your workplaces, your communities and in your families.• Engage with them. • Listen to them.• Love them.• And remind them:

Brokenness is a catalyst for something new and something whole.

Additional Resources:

• “Visions make leaders passionate, thorns keep them authentic.” John Maxwell

• Everything has a season. A time to break down, and a time to build up. Eccl 3:3

• Healing Begins by Tenth Avenue North

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