Remember to Remember
Visions of Memorial Days past are running through my mind. Marching in or standing on the curb watching patriotic parades in honor of our fallen soldiers, flags waving, Veterans saluting as Old Glory passes by. Homes decorated in patriotic buntings of red, white and blue and the smell of charcoal grills filling the air with the aroma of well-done burgers and hot dogs.
It’s a day off, giving the benefit of a long three day weekend. Some travel to the beach or the mountains as a way of kicking off the premature celebration of Summer. Local swimming pools fill with children that don’t seem to mind the chilly water temperature as their parents soak up the sun’s warming rays. It’s a tim
e of gathering with family and friends and enjoying being able to get back outside together for a leisurely picnic.
But all of this came at great expense. Men and women sacrificed their lives on battlefields and in the trenches of war, fighting for the privilege of freedom that we so nonchalantly enjoy. Their bodies lay lifeless and cold in cemeteries across America and around the world, the price they paid so we could continue to enjoy life freely.
May we all pause and remember to remember the valiant deeds of soldiers past and present, and pay homage and honor by acknowledging their sacrifice. Let’s remember to remember to pray for the families that are still reeling from the loss of a husband, a wife, a father, a mother, a son, a brother, a daughter, a sister. Their long weekend is yet another series of long days marking the passing of their loved one, their hearts screaming out, “Don’t forget my loved one not only died, but he had a life. I want you to know my loved one. Ask me about his life, talk about him. Remember to remember him. Please don’t forget him!”
How easy it is to forget sacrifices made for the sake of freedom. Perhaps that is why we were given the instructions as a body of believers to observe communion regularly. We are to be stirred up to remember to remember the sacrifice Christ made, the shedding of His blood so we could be free from the penalty of sin and enjoy a life lived in honor of Him. We’re to remember to remember to proclaim His death until He comes again.
“And when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’
In the same way He took the cup also, after supper saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
1 Corinthians 11:24-26
This Memorial Day, examine your life. Are you remembering to remember our fallen soldiers? Are you remembering to remember the sacrifice of our Savior? What are you doing to honor those who have paid the price for your freedom?
Father, it’s easier to forget than it is to remember the sacrifice You and others have made for me. Help me to remember to remember, and to live a humble life that exemplifies a heart of gratitude towards all that have paid freedom’s price. I love You.
Thank you for the reminder to remember the sacrifices others made on our behalf; especially Jesus’ sacrifice.