I was discharged from the Korean Army on October 15, 2005. It was a day to celebrate and it was the Sabbath. On my last morning in the military, I dressed up in my battle dress uniform for the last time, and with a few other buddies that were getting discharged together, we went to the regional commander’s office to report. Oh, it was a great day.
After that, I hopped on a train to Seoul and went straight to church. Most of the young adults knew me very well and congratulated me on my military service. Once the church service was over, church young adults and I hung out together and celebrated until late into the evening. It was around 9 pm when my father called me. He sounded upset and asked where I was. It was late and I had to return home. I think it was after 10 pm when I arrived home. To my surprise, my parents were waiting for me with a cake. In fact, they were waiting for me all afternoon to celebrate with me.
I regretted my actions and was grateful for my parents. I knew about their support and sacrifice for me during those years and I took that for granted. I got to understand this better once I became a parent. As a parent I could now understand what it took for my parents to support me and provide for me all those years of growing up. Once I realized this, it was in a deeper sense whenever I expressed my gratitude to my parents.
We also have a Father who gave us everything and we often forget that. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. As we celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday, may we remember to thank our Father for all His blessings poured upon us.
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