Silence

The line of students and teachers stretched the length of the campus.  Side by side, an arm's width apart they stood. At first, they talked. They were cold. The wind was messing up their hair. The flags were fun to watch playing in the wind.  Then the teachers started to explain. It didn't take many words.
This man served our country. It was very uncomfortable where he was. His wife and family won't ever get to talk to him again.
Those were the only words it took. The students started to talk about war. They tried to figure out what it meant. The teachers tried to figure it out too.
Cars flew by. Some would slow down to see the kids. The boys started talking about the motorcycles. "You'll hear the motorcycles, then he'll come".  Finally, we heard the motorcycles.
The helicopter cut through the air with loud chops that caused a silence to fall on the crowd. The police cars turned the corner and the students put their hands over their hearts.  As each police car passed, the students grew more somber. The quiet wrapped around each child, each teacher, each person. Then the motorcycles. I stood on the side mixed in with the students.
Then the family. Then the...then the rest. I prayed as we stood there. I prayed for each of the participants in the procession. I prayed for each of us on the side of the road. I prayed for every soldier.
One song dominates my silent prayers. How Great Thou Art plays through almost every silent conversation with my Lord.
The children saying "When you hear the motorcycles, he's coming" echos within me.  When you hear the trumpets, he's coming. How long now until He comes? He who has conquer death is coming to rescue His children. He is coming to take us to heaven where God himself will wipe away our tears.
Do you know Him? When the trumpets sound, will you know what it means? We don't know the day or the time. I beg with one breath "take us home". With the next, I beg "don't let any perish". In His infinite wisdom, He will accomplish His plan. I will wait. Wait and remember, He is coming.