Getting Caught by the "Colors"

I like to take walks. If you know me, you know I can't stand to run or jog or anything that resembles those two activities. However, I love to walk. Not my usual Tennessee stroll, either, but a quick, purposeful, I-tell-myself-I'm-burning-calories walk. Here on base, I have a beautiful walking trail around the housing development. It follows along the river and I've seen some amazing sunsets.

Sometimes, I get caught by the "Colors."

If you speak military, you know what I mean. At 1700, the flags are lowered for the day. If you're outside when the music begins to play to signal "Colors," you must stop what you are doing and either salute or cover your heart with your right hand. At first, this seemed to be an inconvenience to my calorie-burning power walk. Now, I thoroughly enjoy being caught by the "Colors." As the national anthem is blared out across the base, I take the moments to say an extra prayer - for my Coastie, for all the troops serving here and abroad, and for living in such a beautiful and free country. Sure, the country isn't perfect, but I choose not to dwell on the latest political speech or bumble of Congress. I choose to be grateful for the life of freedom and abundance I have been born into. I choose to be grateful that the flag and the song that remind me to pray for the 157th time that hour for my husband and my country.

Next time you are caught by the "Colors," please enjoy the moment. Say a prayer for the men and women who have sacrificed for you... even if you've never met.