Memorial Memories

My memories of Memorial Day while growing up in Upstate New York are of Spring in full bloom and signs of warm summer weather approaching, a few more weeks of school (we didn’t get out till the middle of June), the first downtown parade of the year, the Indy 500 on the radio and full anticipation of an unruly summer vacation. Well, the last part never happened because my dad saw to it that we kids were busy doing something constructive, keeping us out of trouble. Anyway, Memorial Day never really meant much to me, I guess because I had no personal stake in death due to war. I only remember my mother speaking about her brother never returning from WWII with no recorded loss, just “Missing In Action”. His memory lived in a picture hanging on the wall, in honor, at grandmas house, with no known grave site to visit. At the risk of sounding bitter, at my High School graduation many of the males in the class were going to war and it was only a matter of time that the draft would catch up to most of us and like it or not, Uncle Sam would be steering the direction of life for a period of time. I’ve pondered the thought of where I would be and what I would be doing today if it weren’t for war, but I don’t worry about it, because I know I’m right where God wants me to be.
If there’s anything good in war it would be learning survival disciplines which carry over into whatever one involves themselves in the rest of their life. Fred and his wife Edna went to the state fair every year. Every year Fred would say, “Edna, I sure would like to fly in one of them there airplanes.” Edna would reply, “I know Fred, but it’s ten dollars to ride and ten dollars is ten dollars.” Finally, one year Fred said, “Edna, I’m 71 years old. If I don’t ride that airplane this year I may never get another chance.” Edna reminded Fred, “But ten dollars is ten dollars.” The pilot overheard the little spat and said, “Folks, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take you both up for a ride, if you promise to not say one word the entire ride. Added to that, if you’re quiet the whole ride I won’t charge you the ten dollars.” Fred and Edna agreed, and up they went. The pilot did every stunt in the book, twice, but never heard a sound out of his passengers. After landing the pilot turned to Fred and said, “By golly, I did everything I could think of to get you to yell out, but you didn’t.” Fred replied, “Well, I was going to say something when Edna fell out of the plane, but ten dollars is ten dollars!” Discipline; that’s what I’m talkin’ about!
[Ephesians 6: 10-18] Memorial Day, first known as Decoration Day, was established following the American Civil War as a time of national mourning. It was instituted to honor the war dead and to renew ones pledge to an undivided republic. Each and every one of us is at war every day. “…not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” In the Christian life there is also a memorial day, a communion, and a remembrance, which Christ established for the unified body of the church. From the beginning, the church has gathered together in memory of the risen Christ on the first day of the week, the day of the resurrection, sharing in that communion which Jesus said to do in remembrance of Him, until his return. Don’t be declared “missing” following the Judgment Day. Put your armor on! In the name of Jesus, fight a good fight, and maybe one day physical war will be no more.

The Observation Of Others

“Get away from me kid, you bother me!” W.C. Fields didn’t have much use for children. It seems every time Fields was “cooking up” a scheme to fleece someone of their money or property, a young boy would appear looking over his shoulder to learn from the master. Well, that’s how children mostly learn, by observation. The local school district has an annual luncheon for businesses and church congregations honoring and thanking them for the help they provide throughout the year for families in crisis. Oh, by the way, May 6 – 12 is National Family Week. Okay, back to my thought. How did all these people get involved? The school district, and I don’t think we’re unique here, has a very conscientious and concerned social department, that reaches into the community, with love, to find the resources needed to help families out of a crisis that has hindered the learning abilities of their children. For example: food, clothing, utility costs, legal counseling, medical help, and the list goes on and on. The things most of us take for granted could have a huge negative impact on other families. The whole community recognizes the needs and willingly pitches in. Personally, I think it’s the social workers that deserve the pat on the back for caring and loving enough to do what needs to be done to see that every child has the best of chances to learn and prosper. My hat’s off to them for having the courage to ask for help from the community and not turning their back on those less fortunate. I know this could be argued all day long, but when I get the call I know there’s a real need and a child is suffering. I answer the call.
During the minister’s prayer one Sunday morning, there came a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Gary’s mother was horrified! She pinched him into silence. After worship she asked him, “Gary, what made you do such a thing?” Gary answered soberly, “I asked God to teach me to whistle and He just did!”
A grandmother was curious as to whether her granddaughter had learned her colors so decided to test her. She would point out something and ask her what color it was. The girl would always respond with the correct answer. The grandmother was having fun so continued the little game. With some frustration in her voice the little girl said, “Grandma, I think it’s about time you tried to figure out some of these yourself!”
[Psalm 1] Families, and the children thereof, are on a journey of growth, which includes a huge learning curve, not equally achieved by everyone. My children are grown and successful, and if I had to do it all over again, knowing what I know now, I’d certainly do things different. I find it hard, sometimes, to keep from using my knowledge to chastise the lack of knowledge in others, not remembering I once was ignorant. So, I’m happy to serve in the background and not on the front lines, but I continue to learn by observation of others. We all learn by observation from birth to death. What are you showing the less fortunate? Giving from a virtuous heart will relieve tension, combat depression, reduce stress, improve blood circulation, invigorate, rejuvenate, generate good will and elevate self esteem. And guess what? This applies not only to the recipient, but the giver also! I see great things happening in our schools. Children are being taught to look out for one another, with love and concern. We need to look over the master’s shoulder, Jesus, to become the examples our children need to observe.