Remembering

We come to Memorial Day weekend and the annual prod to think about those who have parted having touched our lives.

And so many now gone did touch our lives directly and indirectly and some very powerfully – one thinks of parents foremost here.  How sad that we don’t appreciate enough their sacrifices, wisdom, and love until after they have passed.  And sad if we don’t come to appreciate their sacrifices, wisdom, and love in the years following.

In addition to parents there were grandparents and uncles and aunts (and cousins) who early on often had a big impact in our lives (I have so many fond and special memories of my extended family).  Christmas, July 4, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and other times and events were rich with connecting and being influenced.  So many are now gone yet their smiles, their work, their community engagements, and their wisdom still touch me.  Thanks!

Also big players in our lives were pastors, SS teachers, school teachers, and piano teachers.  I think of the many times I sat on a piano bench beside Beverly as she taught piano and life.  She did just pass a few months ago.

Then later came “best friends” and their parents.  Also there were coaches.  I especially remember Mr. E. who was a great leader and directed us to a couple of baseball championships – we were really good!  He was a significant player in my life.

At some point I started grasping the role our country fathers had and the sacrifices of many to protect our rights.  I think of Cotton Mather and William Bradshaw, George Whitefield, Washington and Jefferson, Ben Franklin and John Jay, and Adams and Adams. Then those presidents and generals who led us through terrible conflicts.  And those who valiantly served in the military giving their lives that we might keep our country and our privileges.

I fondly remember the older generations at church that noted me and I’m sure prayed for me.  I am so thankful for their examples and their love for me.

Then there were those who talked Jesus to me and pressed me toward His salvation.  Foremost for me were my parents along with a couple of SS teachers, a couple of missionaries, and the pastor and his wife of the church of my youth.  How important it is to remember them with thanksgiving to God.

I think of a few spiritual ones who touched me through a message, a book, or a seminar.  How big were they as God used them to call me to higher levels spiritually (Ian Thomas and Watchman Nee in 1970).

Thinking about all those passed who touched my life molding and making me looks like a medium sized cemetery.  But they lie sleeping in the ground all over the country and a few even overseas.  I find it important to stand at a gravesite to reflect, ponder my example and teaching of those around me by following their examples, and thank God for them.

I remember their lives and their love and I am thankful.  I was blessed then and I am blessed yet.