Take the Time to Remember
”Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.“ – Romans 5:7-8
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. 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 had claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and was the reason for the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. As time passed, the emphasis of this tradition was beginning to dissipate until it was made a national U.S. holiday in 1971. It was our country’s way of helping its citizens not “forget to remember.” Now, we celebrate Memorial Day to remember everyone who gave their 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 sacrificed their lives for that freedom. 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 went before us. Memorial Day helps us intentionally remember. As you enjoy time with family and friends on Memorial Day, remember the sacrifices of those who made your freedom possible. Remember the sacrifice of Jesus who made your even greater freedom possible. Don’t forget to remember.
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 only you can give—freedom for our souls. Give us the integrity and wisdom to use our freedom to serve you and others. Amen