Thought for the Week

By Reverend James McNay, West Kilbride

This year marks the 75th anniversary since the end of the Second World War.

On 8th May 1945, VE day was celebrated before VJ day was celebrated later in the year.

However, though there was much celebrating and relief that finally the war had ended - the war still continued to cast its long shadow for months and years and even decades ahead.

Indeed, it could be argued that the effects of that war can still be felt even now in the human cost and the many families that were forever changed.

Some families had to cope with the loss of family members - a son, a father, a brother.

Others received their loved ones home once more - but they were never the same again. In the days before much was known about Post-Traumatic Stress, many were clearly suffering from flashbacks and shell shock.

I remember speaking a few years ago to one woman who had been married not long before the war to a dashing young man.

He had been called up to serve his country at the beginning of the war in 1939 - and he didn’t return for six years later.

When he returned, his wife didn’t recognise him because he had physically changed - no longer the youthful, handsome man of before. And mentally changed - a previous carefree attitude had been changed by the ravages of war.

Such were the sacrifices that were paid by men and women in the service of their country.

In the Bible, sacrifice is an important concept - particularly the supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross which gives hope to millions of Christians around the world.

However, sacrifice always comes at a cost.

Those who died in the world wars - and all wars since - have known that cost. Those who returned, forever changed, knew that cost.

We remain greatly thankful for all those who have served and who continue to serve their country. And grateful to a God who knows what sacrifice truly is and who is able to help us in our time of need.

‘Greater love has no man than this: that he lay down his life for his friends’ John 15:13