What if we all emulated selfless solidiers?

Christmastime is here. For most of us it's the most wonderful time of the year. We get together with family. We enjoy our turkey and mistletoe. But for some it is a time spent far away from family and friends. They're lucky if they get to share a Christmas miracle through Internet chat lines. Others must rely on paper and ink to send holiday cheer to their families. I'm talking about the heroes who have sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy the comforts of home for the holidays.

Our troops are battling for our lives. They have given more than most of us ever could and continue to sacrifice even if it means being away from home for months, even years at a time. They don't ask for compensation, and they don't ask for a break. They willingly offer their service in the hopes of making a difference. All for people they've never even met. People like you and me.

I came across a poem inspired by the amazing men and women in uniform. It's called "A Soldier's Night Before Christmas." As I listened, I became overwhelmed with both sadness and joy. Sadness because our soldiers carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, and joy because they are willing to accept that challenge. Their courage is not something we see every day, but we should. We should see it in one another.

The men and women fighting overseas are our sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, husbands and wives. What can we offer to these amazing individuals who collectively have given us so much? Thank you doesn't seem nearly enough. We can honor them by honoring one another. We should be more like our troops. They don't ask for anything in return. They focus on God and Country. Could you imagine if we all lived like that? Putting others first? It's a bold concept, but I'm willing to try.

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Soldiers videotape themselves reading bedtime stories to their children all so we can sleep peacefully. They call home over a scrambled radio signal after patrolling dangerous streets just to hear the voices of their loved ones even if for a second. These soldiers miss out on first steps and first words, while we take for granted all of the freedoms they provide.

It's amazing to think that someone I do not know would give his life for me. What can we offer to a stranger? A helping hand, a hot meal, a smile, a shoulder. We have so much to give; we just don't believe we do. We're so focused on getting the things we don't have. We should count our blessings and be thankful.

This holiday season, especially during Christmas, I'm challenging myself to sacrifice something for a stranger. I encourage you to join me. Let's do something for someone that we wouldn't normally do. Let's go out of our way to make this season bright for everyone. We're all struggling; we're all falling short somewhere, but there's always someone who needs us. This is my dose of honesty for the week and for the New Year. Let us all be joyful and thankful for what we do have and give to others what they need. It's time we come together and follow the example our soldiers have set for us. We need to show them that their sacrifice is not in vain. Let's support them and their families.

To the soldiers who save my life every day, thank you. I know it's not much, but it's how I feel. You are in my prayers; may God bless you always.