20 East, Line 67 - Priorities

I don't have time to visit a friend who is sick, but I have time to go to the movies. I don't have time to write a letter to an old friend, but I have time to take a walk. I don't have time to volunteer at the dental clinic, but I have time to shop.

Maybe it's more like we make time to do what we what to do. Yeah, I knew that already, but guess I didn't really want to admit it. It really hit close to my heart yesterday. So maybe it is more like--I don't make time to visit a friend who is sick or I don't make time to write a letter to an old friend or I don't make time to volunteer at the dental clinic.

Yesterday I took time (leaving work for a couple of hours) to go to the opening ceremonies in Johnson City of the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. I am so glad I did. It was a beautiful ceremony honoring those who fought and died to free Vietnam of Communism. 58,228 Americans killed, 153,452 wounded and 1740 still missing. I had been to the Memorial in DC and realized it would be a very sobering time, but I wasn't prepared to see the veterans who attended to honor their commrades. The Vietnam war wasn't one that we can be especially proud of; but one of the speakers said, "I did what my country asked me to do." This wall is appropriated called "The Wall That Heals."

I didn't have time to go and felt guilty leaving a desk full of work to attend; but there was something that drew me to the ceremony. As I laid the newspaper clipping of my brothers death at the wall in front of his name 20 East, line 67, I prayed for healing for those of us who have lost family and friends to war and for the healing for our nation. Our priorities can and do make a difference in the lives of others and in our own.