If you are a United States citizen and familiar with patriotic celebrations, you have seen or at least heard of the Blue Angels. The Blue Angels, formally named the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, are a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931. If you have ever seen them perform in person, it’s a memorable experience as you see the magnificent aircrafts dancing and diving in a choreographed dance high in the sky.
The stated mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach, while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.
On a trip with Patty to Florida I was able to see the Blue Angels exhibition and visit the museum. The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest naval aviation museum and one of the most-visited museums in the state of Florida. You can get acquainted with American naval aviation’s rich history and see more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation. These historic and one-of-a-kind aircraft are displayed both inside the museum’s over 350,000 square feet of exhibit space and outside on its 37-acre grounds. It is a place guaranteed to inspire awe and curiosity.
As I walked through the exhibits and pondered the sights and information given, it did a couple of things for me: First, it was fascinating to see the progression of planes and jets. Certainly, each one of them created quite a stir as it was rolled out, with its increased beauty, precision, and ability. How could anything get better than this? Yet, it did.
God has certainly given humans the imagination, creativity, gifts, and ability to do some incredible things with our brain power. It’s amazing to think that a tiny person who comes into the world unable to feed, dress, talk or take care of himself/herself in the most basic ways over time can fulfill the potential God has given within even before birth. It gives illustration to the truth, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father ... ” (James 1:17 NIV). God has given us so much. What a joy to see His gifts flourish for the good of His creation!
Second, I experienced an overflowing and grateful heart for the men and women who have served and are serving our country. We rarely think of them unless there is a conflict or threat, but it is their daily commitment and ongoing vigilance that keeps the threats and violence at bay. Daily gratitude is appropriate.
Third, I am so please with the way our armed forces/nation honors the excellence of people who have chosen to serve and serve faithfully, those who have given up the convenience of home and easier lives to serve, and those who have even laid down their lives in the ultimate act of service to the United Sates and her people. I am grateful we have official leadership to remember and honor. I’m glad that the honor extends to people at every level – creators, mechanics, pilots – everyone in the process.
Honor, gratitude, and thanksgiving are central to who God is. All the way through the Bible, our written record of God and the things that are important to Him, we see these characteristics over and over. He expresses His honor to and for those who live for Him and give their lives to serve His kingdom. In one of many places, Hebrews 6:10 NLT says, “For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”
We can be certain God will honor and reward us wherever we are working faithfully for Him and His kingdom. An old song from when I was a child says it like this:
“Every work for Jesus will be blessed,
But He asks from everyone His best.
Our talents may be few, these may be small,
But unto Him is due our best, our all.”
Serving Him today is the best life, and honor is coming.