REMEMBERING

Maybe it’s because I’m getting a little more “experience” in life but I seem to also be getting more sentimental on Memorial Day. Let me throw out a few reasons in no priority order:

1) The most significant Memorial Day ceremonies happen around Washington, D.C. Watching the remembrance on C-span made me miss my “homeland” and extended family there. Watching the ceremony and people furiously fanning made me not miss the obligatory heat and humidity of a D.C. summer.

2) On this day I am thankful for all who have served in the military for our freedom. I am grateful for their courageous sacrifice. I am most grateful for my grandfather, “Pa” (pictured with my mom) who fought in World War 2 Battle of the Bulge. Most of his unit was killed while he and few others were captured by Germans and held prisoner for the duration of the war. I am grateful he served but more thankful he came home to hold me in his lap, whittle toys from sticks and tell me stories of my ancestors.

3) While Memorial Day may be about our “decorated soldiers” it also reminds me of how good it is to remember. I am thankful to be loved by God who was willing to sacrifice His Son for me and challenges me daily to never forget the wonderful gift of life He offers.

Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

Deuteronomy 8:11-18 (NLT)