Making a difference

I think most people who go in to public service want to make a difference for the good of others. A week ago four Oakland, CA police officers were shot to death in the line of duty and yesterday they were laid to rest.

There were numerous eulogies in the service for all four which lasted over three hours. Then, after a flag-folding ceremony by the Oakland Police Honor Guard and the U.S. Marine Corps, the flags were presented to the officers' families and "Taps" was played. A closing prayer was said by Father Jayson Landeza, OPD Chaplain. The familes of the officers are being escorted out of the Arena to the strains of "Amazing Grace" played by bagpipes. It was all very sad and very moving.

One thing I kept hearing people say is that this men wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. Some told stories of how they had made a difference. Some told of how they will continue to. It was sad, as I sad, but it was also very encouraging. They chose to do good things. They chose to make a difference in the world. Yep! Here it is again (that theme we have had all week) - choosing!

I have always wanted to make a difference myself. I shall continue trying to. I am encouraged by these four men and by their families and friends and co-workers that I saw yesterday. I am also encouraged every day by the love my mother continues to give me and to the love I get from God. It really isn't all that hard to choose to give yourself, especially when you are blanketed with so much love.

To God me the glory for ever and ever!