Take the Time to Remember
by Mark Hayes, President of Ministry
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)
In the movie Home Alone 2, young Kevin has a special interaction with a homeless woman who said goodbye to a promising career and isolated herself after she had her heart broken. With wisdom beyond his years, he consoled the woman: “I don’t think people forget you; they just forget to remember you.” His point was that as we go through life, we do not intentionally forget the value of a person or a relationship. Rather, our circumstances and responsibilities change, and we get caught up in our personal lives and everything that comes with it.
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began in the years after the Civil War. The Civil War claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history did and was the reason for the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. As time passed, the emphasis of this tradition began to dissipate until it was made a national U.S. holiday in 1971. It was our country’s way of helping its citizens not to “forget to remember.” Now, we celebrate Memorial Day each year to remember everyone who gave his or her life in sacrifice for this country.
In our organization, we are especially grateful for the freedom we have to share Christ’s love with the people entrusted to our care. We don’t want to forget to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for that freedom. Likewise, we don’t want to forget to remember our Savior, who gave his life to win the battle that gave us something precious and eternal. We have life with Him in heaven. Our sins have been forgiven. Our lives now have incredible value.
We don’t intentionally forget the value of the sacrifices of those who came before us. Fortunately, Memorial Day helps us to intentionally remember. As you enjoy time with family and friends on Memorial Day, remember the sacrifices of those who made your freedom possible. And remember the sacrifice of Jesus, who made your even greater freedom possible. Don’t forget to remember.
Prayer: Dear Savior, thank you for the freedom we enjoy in this nation. Give us an appreciation for the blessings we now have and the price that was paid for us to have them. Thank you for the freedom that only you can give—freedom for our souls. Give us the integrity and wisdom to use our freedom to serve you and others. Amen.
