Lunch with Glen…

I had the opportunity to take a WWII veteran to lunch today. Glen is 80-something years old and has a job as a security person in the office building where I work. He brought a photo album of his battleship, the U.S.S. North Carolina. His ship provided naval firepower during the Battle of Iwo Jima. An aircraft carrier in his group was struck by a kamikaze plane. Their ship was at sea for 138 days without seeing land. Glen actually shook hands with FDR. It was fascinating to hear his stories and know that this was someone who served our country in the defining conflict of the last century.

Glen was in Japan for the signing of the surrender that ended the war aboard the North Carolina. However, in spite of her wartime accomplishments the North Carolina was not chosen as the stage for the signing of the final surrender of the War in the Pacific. The newly commissioned U.S.S. Missouri was chosen for that honor. This ship had arrived in the Pacific Theater in December of 1944 – only 9 months before the fighting ended. Glen said that the crew of the North Carolina was more than a little bit jealous.

It is easy to feel jealous of those who have accomplished something that you have desired yourself. It's hard to see others reach the finish line before you. I have personally turned a little green when other church projects receive approval, complete construction, and open their doors while we wait for our turn. To correct my misguided emotions it is important to be reminded that the success of other churches is a win for the Kingdom. The ultimate final surrender is still being negotiated, and the stage will be irrelevant. All will know, all will see and all will bow to Jesus Christ our Lord.