Honor Them!

May 23, 2024

Honor Them!

I have been missing my mother and father.  My father passed away seven years ago on April 6.  My mother passed away one year ago on March 30. 

I am missing them because they taught me so much about life and love.

I am missing them because they modeled for me real faith and humble service.

I am missing them because they encouraged me to do my best the first time.

I am missing them because they demonstrated how to be grateful for the small blessings.

I am missing them because they guided me with a gentle hand and a kind spirit.

I am missing them because they showed me how to stay focused on my dreams.

I am missing them because they trained me to be strong and independent.

I am missing them because they sowed their love in me.

I am missing them because they inspired me and were proud of me.

Memorial Day weekend (yes, I see it as a weekend not just a single day!) is coming in a couple of days.  I am busying myself with a revised set of expectations and preparations this year. 

First, it takes some planning and time to visit the cemetery where my parents are buried in Lincoln, Nebraska.  The cemetery is an eight-hour drive from where I live.  If I want to visit the cemeteries where my grandparents are buried they are located another 30 to 45 minute drive from Lincoln.

I know a lot of people do not visit the places where loved ones are buried on Memorial Day weekend.  I also know a lot of people do not honor those who gave up their lives serving our country in the military on Memorial Day weekend. 

However, there is something about Memorial Day weekend that draws me to remember and honor and show up.  It takes some planning and time to do these things.  It takes remembering the words of Jesus. 

In Matthew 19:19 Jesus says; “Honor your father and mother.  Also, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  I will do my planning and preparation so that I can honor my father and my mother as well as those who gave their lives while serving our country. 

As I honor those who have served and those who I have loved, I am also showing my love.  In Romans 12:10 the Apostle Paul writes; “…love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.”  When we remember and celebrate those who have passed away before us, we demonstrate our love for and honor of them.

Second, there is still some lingering tenderness in my heart.  Yes, I am still grieving the loss of my mom and dad.  Unlike many people, I grew up in a healthy (not perfect!) family.  My memories are mostly good ones. 

As Memorial Day weekend draws near, I am reminded of those good memories as well as the physical absence of my mother and father.  There is some sadness in my heart that can still bring a tear to my eye.  There is some joy in my heart that can still bring some laughter to my lips.

Because of the tenderness in my heart, I plan to remember and celebrate and honor my mother and father on Memorial Day weekend.  Whether or not I can make it to the cemetery where they are buried, I will take some moments to cherish what was good and forgive what was a bit more challenging.

I invite you to remember and celebrate and honor those who have served our country and those whom you have loved.  When you do, the Lord will fill your heart and your life with delight.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug