Catherine had been an army nurse during World War II when I met her late in her life. She had been present in Paris immediately following the liberation. She told of wearing her uniform in the city, and people stopping her to give her flowers or food gifts , thanking her and hugging her . She told of flowers showered upon her from second and third story windows as she walked by.

When she finally returned to New York, and stood in line for a ticket to a Broadway show, the whole line gave way and insisted that Catherine take the first place. I have stood in line on Broadway, and I could hardly believe her account.

“Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is good.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

His love endures forever.

To Him who alone does great wonders.

His love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-4)

The end of World War II, with its great victory for the allied nations, was a source of rejoicing for all the victors. It’s clear that the rejoicing was expressed in gestures of love and affection for everyone in uniform who participated.

When my father returned from the army wearing his uniform he went first to the administrative offices of a school district in a town two hours from home. When he returned to the car where my mother and his parents were waiting he had a job as a principal in one of the elementary schools. He had no connections in that school district or city except his uniform.

The joy and gratitude for deliverance from war, fear, aggression and heartache is accompanied by an outpouring of a love, just as the joy and gratitude of discovering and rediscovering that the redemption Christ has achieved for us is true and real puts us in touch with a love in us that lasts. It’s a healing gift that brings peace and renewal to our lives, regardless of our age or circumstances.

My father never went to Paris and was still in training when the war came to an end, but he experienced the gratitude that leads to peace and the love that endures forever.

Love in Him,

Prue