Today at Mass, there were two little girls making their first Holy Communion. Typically, children learn about the Sacrament during the school year then receive their first Communion in the Spring, so this was an unusual time. The priest introduced the girls who were twin sisters. He explained that their father is to be deployed and leaving this week. The mother will be moving to another state with the children so she can be near her family while her husband is away. She will also be giving birth to another child during that time. I thought about two things. The first is how important faith was to this family that they made it a point to celebrate the children receiving Holy Communion in their family faith community while their father was with them. The second is what a sacrifice this family is making. Of course there are thousands of other families who are also making such sacrifices. While the general public debate issues and do their best to go about their lives without fear, this family – and so many others – must live not knowing when they will see their loved one again. And they do this not for themselves, but for the safety and good of others – for us. I realize it happens all around me, but it became a little more evident today.

I Found God today in a reminder of the sacrifice that military families volunteer to make for the good and safety of others.