Books and banter by W.H.Manke

Years ago I read an account of a young man, an ace fighter pilot in the early years of Second World War.  He loved his family and friends.  He loved life, and he loved to fly.  He loved his country, and even though he was trained as a  fighter pilot and had flown several successful missions, he hated war and felt deep grief for each enemy pilot he shot down thinking of them as someone’s son or someone’s husband.  I don’t recall many of the details of the article, not even the pilots name.  So let me call him David.  I remember the account reported that his plane was shot down in 1941, I believe it was, and he lost his life.  What I will always recall precisely are the words with which the author closed the article.  He said, “While his family, friends and comrades grieved for him, the universe wept for David .”  To me his words were a profound statement of the worth of each individual.

In keeping with this brief account let me encourage you with the less than ten words spoken by Jeremiah, the prophet, bringing a message from God to the people – and remember you count.

 “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)  

And here is the promised brain teaser to keep Mr Alzheimer away.

What is the 6th number in this series?   10 – 14 -19 – 26 – 37 – _____