By definition, determined is “having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it or possessing or displaying resolve”. That is what I would label World War 2 guys and gals. They were determined in every sense of the word. As that generation moves on from this world to eternity, they continue to demonstrate that they will fight the good fight and maintain their determination to finish strong. On May 26th, 1940, the British and French were surrounded by the Germans or so they thought. Between May 26th to June 4th, 338,000 troops were evacuated thanks to the constant British Royal Air Force attacks on the German bombers and a flotilla of civilian boats aiding the Royal Navy. At the French port of Dunkirk, the Germans may have declared victory especially after taking France, but they failed to see the determination to move from apparent failure to complete victory. It took 5 more years to see victory but those who survived saw the result of freedom and many lived free to reach 100 years young. They sang “I did it my way” by Frank Sinatra. They were determined to do it their way to the very end. I can imagine them telling us, “Now, you do it your way”. Many were just young boys and girls but were determined to do their part in the WW2 effort. They continued that determination all of their life. During the Christmas season, as we should remember the reason for the season, we all too often get hung up on the lights and glitter and excessive spending, etc. Perhaps, we have lost someone close during this time and really do not feel very much in the Christmas spirit rather in remembrance of those who have gone on before us. It makes me even more determined not to make this season one of partying to one of remembrance. Whether you believe that Jesus was born on the 25th or not, I hope you recognize that this is a time to remember him who came from above to reconnect us with our father who art in heaven. Many of us left behind can only wonder why at this time. None of us know when, where or how our lives will end so stay determined to do what you can while you can. Most of those from WW2 have gone on now but some have become centenarians and an extraordinary example of determination.
Things can change overnight. We can be determined to do it our way but if it is His will to say otherwise, what do we do then? We go on faith that his desires overwrite our determination to do it our way and we adjust to a new reality.
My wife and I went to London to watch “Matilda” a play about a determined little girl who wants to make the most out of a hard life and she did. This is such a reminder of the determination of the little girls and boys who became examples to us all.
As you gather around a Christmas feast with family and friends, enjoy the memories of that day and every day given to you. Remember those who have made you what you are and look forward to new adventures.
We stayed in England for another week to celebrate with friends during Christmas time and to take in another play. Matilda was all about determination. Our next play was a pantomime. For my American family and friends, that is a “dramatic entertainment originating in Roman mime in which performers express meaning through gestures accompanied by music”. In Britian, it is “mainly for children, which involves music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy and is based on a fairy tale … usually around Christmas>” We saw Cinderella about a pretty child who is being taken advantage of but due to her determination and her imagination overcomes to become the person she was meant to be.
Stories turned to plays entertain us but also reminds us that life occurs in between our birth or our death. Make the most of your life, be determined but also be open to changes according to the will of God. Most importantly remember the reason for the season.
T