On this Memorial Day, before we go about our day and do whatever it is we have planned, I invite you to join me to…

pause. breathe. pray.

And let's choose to remember what this day is really about.

Whether we knew anyone personally who lost their life while serving our country or not, may we take a moment to be still with God and remember.

Remember the person who chose to sign up to serve.

Remember their willingness to stand between safety and danger, for you and for me.

Remember that they lost their life while serving and never got to come back home.

Let's remember what it must have been like for the mom and dad, the sister and brother, the wife or husband, to get that call that their loved one passed away.

It's easy to avoid thinking about the true meaning of this day. Yet let's not do what is easy.

Let's be willing to make space in our minds and days to truly sit with the sadness this day holds. May remembering help us grow in compassion and help us live in a way that honors those whose lives were lost while serving.

To all who have lost a loved one, my heart and prayers are with you. May the presence of God comfort you and His Word uphold you today, and every day.

With love and care,
Shawn

Greater love has no one than this,
that someone lay down his life for his friends.
- John 15:13