Today in the United States of America we celebrate Memorial Day. This federal holiday is for remembering the people who died while serving in the armed forces. We do live in the greatest country in the world, and many have given their lives for the freedoms we too often take for granted. On this day we are called to remember the countless men and women who paid the ultimate price so that we may live. Remembering is a good thing and we should do it often. It brings a needed perspective, thankfulness, and balance to our lives.

There is power in remembering. That being said, there needs to be care taken in what we spend our time remembering. There are things that are profitable to remember, and others that are destructive and a waste of precious time. It’s interesting the Bible is full of passages that tell us to remember. Exodus 20:8 NIV “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Deut 24:18 “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.” Nehemiah 9:17 NIV “They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them.” Isaiah 46:9 NIV “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” (italics mine)

The first passage is telling us to keep a Sabbath, a day put aside to rest, worship and recharge. It’s not a day to take the kids to play sports, or run around like crazy people. It is a day to keep holy, slow down and chill. The second passage is reminding a people of what they once were, but no longer are, because God has redeemed them. In other words they are not the same, they are in a better place. The third speaks of the consequence of when we don’t remember and the resulting destruction that can occur. Is this punishment? No, just the byproduct of a choice. The forth verse from Isaiah, I believe, speaks the ultimate truth. Remembering that truth keeps me in check. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Please see the connection of remembering and the bringing of life. The intent of each verse is simply to bring life. Not a cheesy life, but an abundant, healthy, and good life. These qualities are the fruit of remembering and doing. Some people remember the failures, the hurt, the pain, the sorrows… If they are not propelling you forward, if they are impeding your growth, happiness, effectiveness, your ability to love… you are being robbed of hope, joy and ultimately the fullness of life.

About 15 years ago I went through such a time. I saw no abundance, no joy, the wonder was gone. It was not a pleasant experience. One day… being sick and tired of being sick and tired, I chose to remember the truth, put feet to my faith and I began to change. As I came out of my funk, I wrote a prayer. I’ve called it many things over the years, but have simply settled on “Remember”. I want to share the last line with you, “I must remember the warmth of my heavenly Father’s hand on my life, and hold on to the promise that is mine!” There is power in remembering.

So today, this week, this year, take the time and remember. Remember the people and the values that bring life. Get in the habit of it and be thankful. There is such a high price that has been paid by those who made possible the possibilities and blessings we now enjoy. Let the riches of those memories teach and propel us to do something radically loving and kind for someone, perhaps someone we don’t even know.

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
Benjamin Franklin