Decision Made

So...
They are asked again.
Asked for one more push.
Ordered really, not asked.

"Muster up the energy
for a(nother) surge.
This is your service.
Do your duty."

Will their labors accomplish the goal set for them?
Pundits predict.
Politicians position.
Preachers opine.
Parents worry.

Everyone has an opinion.
Even me.
But they are the ones
Who will do the work.

They will expend the effort.
They will make the sacrifices.
They will suffer the wounds.
Some of them will not return whole.
Some of them will not return alive.

Eight years so far...
And a few more yet to go.
They will be faithful in their duty.
I pray we won't forget
Our duty to them upon their return.


Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.