Remember

            We celebrated Memorial Day earlier this week.  Originally known as Decorations Day, Memorial Day is a time when we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 

            Unfortunately, there are times when we forget the true meaning of this holiday. Memorial Day often stands for the beginning of Summer.  We open our pools (if we have them), go to the lake, and take advantage of this year’s “Memorial Day Mattress Madness Sale.”  We forget what we are supposed to remember.

            The thing is, forgetting is normal for humans. And yes, I am fully aware that it only gets worse with age. Not long ago I was looking directly at two of my church members, folks I’ve known for more than a decade, neighbors and good friends, and I could not think of their first names to save my neck. It’s aggravating, frustrating and embarrassing.

            But worse than that is when I forget the things that matter even more. What Christ did for me. The goodness and grace of God.  All of the blessings that have been given me, even though I do not deserve them.

            God gave us a supper to help us to remember. “Remember me,” Jesus said to His disciples. “Whenever you eat this bread, or drink this cup, remember me.”  In Revelation 2:5 Jesus said to the church at Ephesus, “Remember…”  Over and over we are told in the Bible to remember.

            Let me remind you that to remember means more than merely to call to mind. It means to do something. Seven times in his little book Nehemiah prayed to the Lord to ask the Lord to remember him.  It is not that God is prone to forget as we are. Rather, Nehemiah was asking the Lord to do something for him…to help him…to remember him. 

            I hope that you stopped for a moment on Monday to remember, and to give thanks for, those who died so that we might live in freedom. Even more, I pray that you will remember to give thanks to the One who gave His life that you might live forever.