It is difficult to work in a greeting on Memorial Day because almost anything you say trivializes the incredible gravity of the meaning of sacrifice our heroes have made for us.  It helps to stop and consider the men and women who have served in our armed forces, and it also brings us a sense of reality when we pray for those who are in harms way and could pay the ultimate sacrifice of their lives on any given day.  “THANK YOU” is never out of style and never inappropriate to those who serve! 

One of the memories of the past year was when a friend and I visited in Belgium last September and we saw Europeans dressed up as Americans in World War II uniforms.  If imitation is the ultimate form of flattery, then seeing and hearing the Belgians talk about how grateful they still are seventy years after liberation that confirms the importance of teaching each generation the history of our heroes.  Quiet the i-pads and “smart” phones long enough to share some memories even risking the accusation of boredom from another generation.  You have something you can share about your own life or a family member that will be significant to the next generation.  If you don’t talk about it, those lessons will be lost.

I love hearing from so many of you about last week’s MMM.  It seems that almost all of the outcomes were positive.  Avoiding a speeding ticket because you let someone in traffic; seeing others emulate your picking up trash that was not yours; watching the looks from people seeing you take two shopping carts back inside the grocery store; the smiles from soldiers who had their meal paid for by a stranger; and of course the list is still there to try some more of those ideas this week.  One reader found talking to a neighbor who was feuding with another neighbor got her a court order to testify against the new friend.  I didn’t say you would not face spiritual warfare when you step out in faith! 

John 6:35-36 (RSV) “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.” 

Monday Morning Message Sent 5/31/10

Back to List of Archived Messages