Memorial Day Memories
Posted in Daily Focus on Monday, May 26, 2014
"So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations" (Psalm 79:13).
Although Memorial Day (originally called Decoration Day) is a day for specifically remembering veterans who have died in our nation's service, our homeschool family observed this holiday like many other families. Visiting the gravesites of loved ones, my children decorated their headstones with a tribute of flowers. In many cases, my young children never knew the family members, and I would answer countless questions about their lives. I never tired of telling them about uncles, aunts, and great-grandparents and the special significance of their lives.
As Christian homeschooling parents, you also have the wonderful privilege of telling your children about the heritage of your faith. Sharing the story of Christ's death and resurrection, as well as what it means to you personally, will enable your children to learn more about their loving heavenly Father. Like a potter molding a piece of clay, you have the incredible opportunity to carve a lasting impression of God's goodness and love in their minds with every spiritual lesson you have learned.
Since life can change in a moment, make this Memorial Day count with your family. Attend your community's celebration, parade, and other events, but also be sure to include a visit to the cemetery. Leave flowers, talk about the people you loved, and most importantly, tell your children about the hope we have because Christ loves us. "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).
Lord, thank You for the loving memory of godly family members who have died and gone before us. We praise You for the hope of seeing them again and the sure promise of Your return. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Comments(3 comments)
RHONDA L 05/31/2010 07:38:01
Memorial Day is a day of Rememberence. Let us not forget the bravery and patriotism of these great men and women who have sacrificed thier lives for us. It is good to remember and teach our children about those who fought and died for our freedom, and though there may be too many to list individually, one we can name --Jesus Christ. Jesus gave his life so that we all can live an everlsating life with him. Yes, it is great to be proud of our soldiers on this special day, but let us also be proud of our Creator and Ultimate Savior too. God Bless you all especially our troops!
TONY S 05/30/2012 06:10:42
Thank you AOP for Daily Focus as they are so encouraging & just the reminder that I need to hear each day!
KATHY S 05/30/2012 07:30:53
My Father was a Marine. We went to his gravesight a few years back.
His wish was to be creamated and buried at the huge Veterans Cemetary here in Illinois.
The first and only time we went to the site, I was so saddend by the very small stone the cememtary provided, and all the stones crunched together. This was a 6ft 3 inch man, all muscle, and my shock of seeing the small stone, all crunched together with hundreds of others was too much to bear.
It\'s been 7 years now, so I know I need to go back. It just made me so sad.
I guess I just need to keep telling myself, \"He\'s with Jesus\", that tiny stone is only a marker, it does not symbolize the person that he was.