Memorial Day

Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything 1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

On this Memorial Day 2010, we find ourselves in a time of war. As for me, I have almost forgotten what the time of peace felt like. It seems that as we bring one matter to a close, another one arises. Leadership comes in and goes out, yet the conflict continues to grow in one area or the other.

It is common now to know a young wife waiting on her husband to come home. New technology allows these women and their children to communicate more easily than days gone by. No longer do they have to wait on a letter to arrive in the mail. And yet, that digital image still can not fill the place that is being held for their loved one at home.

Still others, will find themselves remembering all that was good within their loved one who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. Perhaps, they will read that last letter or email. They will surely spend some time visiting the graveside and thinking of what their loved one did for our great country.

Maybe someday soon, we will find ourselves in a time of peace again. I am not sure what my children should expect regarding these circumstances. I am not sure what to expect for them. I can only know to everything there is a time and purpose under heaven to which God will dictate the rest of the story. It was true when it was written, true today, and will be true tomorrow.

For today, for this season in your life, I pray comfort and peace will surround you and your loved ones. For all families that mourn their loss, I pray a renewed spirit in knowing God is the ultimate author for all seasons. For all those who miss a loved one that is too far away, I pray God will always give you the right words to speak in the few moments you have to communicate with them during this season. You are their support and I pray they always know they are loved "back home".

Father, thank You for the seasons. Thank You for your ultimate wisdom and every detail You pour into our own stories. You are the Author and the Finisher and today I ask that You give us comfort in acknowledging that. This Memorial Day, thank You for our freedoms, thank You for the sacrifices made to receive them, thank You for your ongoing protection. In Jesus Name- Amen