Remember

Hebrews 11: 13-16
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (NIV)

I remember visiting cemeteries with Grammy. Around Memorial Day, we’d gather flowers from Mom’s garden and place them in glass jars that she’d saved just for this occasion. The fragrant smell of peonies filled the car as we’d deliver the bouquets to the graves of various family members. I never found this odd or out of place. That’s what we did to show respect and celebrate the life that our loved ones lived. I haven’t gone to the cemeteries for a few years, but I think my brother still does, and I appreciate that.

Hebrews 11, sometimes called the hall of faith, lists many of God’s pilgrims who searched for the promised land. What they really sought was a place in heaven with God. Remembering them and reading their stories shores up my faith. When I think about my Grammy, who prayed for me every day and my dad who loved Jesus, I’m reminded of my loved ones who fought the battle that God placed before them. A spiritual war that with God’s help they won.

In memory of all who have fought to keep our country free, those who went to war to make life better for others and those who protect us every day, thank you.