Monday is Memorial Day. In many ways, I believe this day has, over time, become a symbol of the start of summer, a holiday. But the essence of the day has been lost. It was meant to be a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, our freedom. I remember stories of picnics, sure – but picnics in cemeteries where families cleaned up the grave sites of their loved ones, remembering them and honoring them. I invite us to try to recapture a bit of what the deeper meaning of Memorial Day is. I want to say thank you to all who have served and are serving and for their families who serve with them. And I offer this prayer:
ALMIGHTY God, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy and especially for those men and women who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to those who are commemorated on those memorials and those written in our hearts your mercy and the light of your presence. And give, O Lord, to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will. Amen.
The Rev. M.E. Eccles, LPC+
No comments:
Post a Comment