Memorial Day

Memorial Day has always been big for our family. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my entire family gathering at the little country cemetery in Adair county to look at all the pretty flowers people would leave on the graves. After an hour or so of, "partying in the cemetery", we would all head back to my grandmother's house for a picnic. I never really understood what we were there to remember, but I loved the time with my cousins in the country.

Unfortunately many people view memorial day as nothing more than a day off from work and as an excuse to party with their friends. I hope that we will pause today and remember those who came before us and paved the way for so many freedoms we have. Let's remember the soldiers who gave their lives so that we could live in a country where we are free to celebrate and worship as we please. Let's remember our loved ones who have died and celebrate the heritage they have passed on to us. Let's remember our spiritual brothers and sisters who are still living and dying in places around the world for the sake of the gospel. Last, but certainly not least, let us remember today (like hopefully everyday) the savior who gave his life for us that we may not perish but have everlasting life.

We have so much to remember and so much to be thankful for. I spent yesterday in the same little country cemetery where I spent my childhood, only this time I did it as the father of three decorating the grave of my father. I am so thankful for all that he did for me and taught me over the years. I hope that I pass along to my kids what this day is really for. I hope that I pass along the knowledge of what these ancestors of ours did for us. Most of all though I hope that I leave a legacy worth remembering to those who are coming after me. What will my children say about me as they stand around my grave (in that same little cemetery)? Whatever it is that they will say is being written by me today. It's my prayer that I (and we) will live lives worthy of being remembered. I plan on starting again today, how about you?

Ed