Memorial Days

Our family is very thankful for our country and the freedoms we enjoy. But we have never been ones to go to the town parades on Memorial Day. We do, however, have a deep appreciation for the many men and women who have fought for our nation. Like many, we have nephews and many friends who now serve in the military. For these we are truly thankful.

Today, after this morning's message I'm thinking about other kinds of memorial days. The kinds of memorials that dazzle our children. As women of God we need to catch a vision for passing on the truths about God to our children and grandchildren. Children love stories. Each biblical account of God's activity in the lives of His people is a memorial to God's dazzling plan and purposes.

Children also need to hear the stories of God's activity in our own lives. But how can this be done when we so easily forget in the passing of an hour, what God did just a few moments ago? I can still hear the voice of my good friend, Nancy, saying, "write it down." But our lives are very full and move at lightning speed. How in the world are we to write something down when we don't have the time to look for the pen and paper with which to write it?

I used to count on my memory to assist me in the retelling of God's doings in my life. Big mistake. So much has been lost. My children now remind me of things we once did; things of which I have no recollection. Tim recently asked me to draw from my memory bank some God-dazzling moments that he could retell to a group of young people. Sadly, I had little to offer him. That's not because there haven't been any. There have been many. But other than the "big" ones we have told so often, I came up empty.

How can I resolve this problem? How can I help you to not do as I have done? God's people in the OT used to set up stone memorials to commemorate a powerful work of God so that when people passed by they would see it and be reminded of God's covenant keeping promises. Is there a way to remember, without rock piles scattered throughout our yards? My answer is simple: "write it down." Make a written memorial of each day. When God supplies a need, when God prevents an accident, or when God gives grace in an accident, or death or trial, or when God answers a prayer, or opens up a opportunity for witness, etc. we need to write it down. Some things might seem trivial and not worth remembering, but the accumulation of daily mercies will have a powerful impact on those who read it, or hear you speak of it.

Here's my idea. When I go to do email, or read a blog, or read peoples' status on facebook, I'm going to take a minute to pull up my new word document, "Memorials to God". It will be a journal, of sorts, but one that is only for those dazzling moments God brings into my days. Some things might seem trivial and not worth remembering, but the accumulation of daily mercies will have a powerful impact on those who read it, or hear you speak of it.

I know how hard it is to fit one more thing into the schedule. But unless you are certain your memory will be better than mine is, you may want to find a way. I believe you will find this to be a faith strengthening exercise for your own soul. When after a few weeks or months when you are faced with a seemingly impossible circumstance, it will be helpful to look back in your journal and be reminded of God's covenant keeping activity in days gone by. It will help you to look to Him with faith for that moment and for the many moments yet to come. Speaking from experience I can guarantee you will be glad you did.