Happy Monday!

I hope you enjoyed a long weekend! It’s nice to have an extra day or two to recalibrate. And, although there was probably much activity with barbeques and the like, let’s take some time today for remembering.

Today is Memorial Day in the US. It’s a time when we remember our fallen soldiers who died protecting the freedoms we enjoy and sometimes take for granted. It’s a time to mourn the loss of our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, neighbors, and friends who gave their lives for a system they were proud of and believed in with complete surrender to the consequences.

Memorial Day is a different day than other times we honor our veterans. It’s a time for reflection and reverence, gratitude and grieving, and for remembering. Its essence is not celebratory; however, we can join with others in recalling those who have died in service to our country.

Here is one reflection from John F. Kennedy:

44 Famous Memorial Day Quotes - Sayings That Honor America's Fallen Heroes
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President Kennedy’s thoughts impressed me in a way that I hadn’t previously considered. Appreciation and gratitude for our military is not just an honor; it’s a responsibility bestowed on us. It takes courage not only to utter the words but to model them in our daily lives.

In the Scriptures, we find these encouragements:

“The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them.” John 5:13 (GNT)

“This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16 (CSB)

“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)

Today, as we remember our soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their beliefs, remember the family and friends left behind. Maybe there’s someone you know who would benefit from telling the story of their loved one. Perhaps a phone call or a visit would bring joy to a sobering time. Live by the words, don’t just utter them. Someone who needs a reason to smile today may be blessed and feel less alone on this day of remembering because of your efforts.

Have a wonderful time of commemoration today, and enjoy living your gratitude and appreciation out loud!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda