DECORATION DAY

I thank my God upon every
remembrance of you.
Philippians 1:3

For as long as I can remember, this day we refer to as Memorial Day was called Decoration Day. That day started very early for us. Mother had folks saving their tomato juice cans that were used as receptacles for flowers that would be left at each grave we visited. There were some flowers she purchased, but with some peony bushes, we had enough flowers for each container. We traveled to at least three cemeteries that I remember. Two were so far out into the country, being able to locate them was in itself a real task.

At the last cemetery we went to, the farm ladies had a spread of food put out that would shock anyone. The men had brought saw horses and boards to lay on them. That became a VERY long table. Each lady brought all of her home cooked specialties that would blow your mind. There was lots of hot coffee and sweet iced tea at anyone's desire. The meal usually started after everyone had decorated the graves of friends and loved ones. When you got a plate from one person, you could go anyplace at that table to get whatever you wanted. There were no paper plates or plastic glasses. I never saw a plastic fork or spoon there as well only regular metal utensils.

Decoration Day was a day to remember loved ones who had died. After some years, the day was renamed to Memorial Day that paid extra homage to those in the military present and past, especially those who died in the service of our country. When just a little thing, my Mother received a phone call that my Dad's best man at his wedding had been killed in the Battle of the Bulge in Europe. Both my parents wept over that and we made haste to go to the home to be with his widow. Many tears have been shed since WWII over so many who died on the field of battle as well as in the air.

So today we remember and some will do some decorating at various cemeteries. Remembering all those who have gone before us is a good thing. However, I don't think we do that just on one day.

In all of our remembering, we often forget One who died for all of us. We don't tend to remember Him on this day but why not? Jesus gave more on our behalf than any relatives or persons lost in military service. He died that we all might have life, and have it abundantly. His name is Jesus. His name isn't on a grave marker because there was no need of one. He died and rose again in victory over Satan and sin. He is ours for the asking...asking Him into our hearts as Lord and Savior. Let's spend some time today remembering Him, what He gave up to come to earth and all He did for us while here. Of all the ones we remember, there's not a one who has risen from the dead in some cemetery, but He did and did it for you and me. Lest we forget!!

Thank You Father for Your love and for sending Your loving Son to die for us all. We can never repay You or Him for newness of life. We remember You today with hearts of gratitude. We love You and we remember. In Jesus' precious name...Amen