Day of Remembrance
Today is Memorial Day, a holiday set aside to remember the men and women who have lost their lives in military service to the country. It's been observed for almost 150 years, with its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War.
A lot of people don't spend today remembering, for many it is trips to the cabin and a sign that summer has finally arrived. Barbecues and picnics. Time spent with family, relaxing from the daily stress of life.
People died so that we could enjoy all these things and yet today, a day set aside specially to remember their sacrifice, many of us still fail at really honoring that memory and gift.
I think Jesus knows exactly how they feel. I know that too often I take for granted the fact that Jesus suffered an immense amount so that I could enjoy the absolutely breathtaking freedoms in life that He provided. And while I don't think he wants me to focus on his suffering every day (because Jesus isn't emo), I do think that there are times and places where I should remember what was done for my benefit, not His.
Times like communion, which is a whole ceremony focused on remembering Jesus' death. It isn't a mid-service snack, it's a bold and tangible symbol of the great lengths Jesus went to in making sure I could be free from my own mistakes. For me to not take even 30 seconds and remember that an innocent life was ended (however temporarily) on my behalf is an incredible insult to the memory of that act.
Going to the cabin, eating some hot dogs off the grill, and all the other things we do today aren't bad. I don't think any soldier who died would wish that we spend all of our time moping. They died protecting our ability to really enjoy life. But while you are doing whatever you are doing today, please stop, even if it is for just 30 seconds, and thank God for the people who have given their life up for us. Peace and blessings to all of you this Memorial Day.
[If any of you know someone who is currently serving in the military, or someone who lost their life in the service, tell us about them by leaving a comment (just click the place where it says the number of comments below) so that we can join you in praying for them]/