“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…” (Philippians 1:3)
It is fitting in the United States of America that we set aside one day each year to memorialize our fallen warriors. In the Old Testament God regularly commanded His chosen people to erect memorials so they would never forget certain events on their journey of faith. When we study those memorials we realize that God wanted them to remember miracles He performed for them. He never wanted them to forget significant spiritual datelines. He often repeated for emphasis things He wanted them to remember. Throughout the Old and New Testaments we therefore continuously hear the exhortation to remember!
Memorials are closely linked with the attitude of gratitude and the awful sin of ingratitude. On Memorial Day are you thankful for “The Greatest Generation” of the 1940s who saved us from an unthinkable future without freedom? and throughout Cold War decades from more of the same? Does your memorial of gratitude continue through those who fell in Korea, Vietnam and now in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Do you have spiritual memorial datelines for which you are grateful as you remember them before God? Do you have a dateline of when you came to faith in what Christ did for you on the cross? Do you have spiritual datelines beyond that point of beginning your faith journey, when the risen Christ has proved Himself to you in miraculous ways? Do you have a dateline when He made you know what He wants you to do for Him? In the fulfillment of that vision has He brought very, very significant people into your life to help you bring that vision into reality?
Then have a spiritual Memorial Day and be filled with grateful worship!
Dick Woodward, 31 May 2010
Editor’s Note: My father had the utmost respect for our military. His father became a Christian while sharing his pup-tent with a Christian in the European theatre of WWI. Although my father never served in the military (he was 15 when WWII ended & then studied to be a pastor), his brothers served in the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines during WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam. My father always said he felt like a Navy Chaplain while ministering to so many Navy families @ the Va. Beach Community Chapel for 25 years – a great honor to him! Whether you are a peace-nik (like the Blog-Posting Elf who served overseas as a relief & development worker in conflict zones for many years) or friends & family of active military serving in today’s war zones – as my father suggested, this Memorial Day let’s remember those who have given their lives for peace, and then remember spiritually what God has done for each one of us!
4SpiritualSecrets 
Nice post Virginia……l enjoyed your comments as well!
Absolutely wonderful post and editor’s note, Virginia, thanks. Kathy and I both have loved ones that were in the past mentioned wars. My Grampa and namesake was my hero in WWI and my Uncle John (Junior) was a Flying Ace in the NFS Black Widows of WWII. We visit WCC occasionally when we have the opportunity. Thanks again, Jack Morris Neild.