Memorial Day

Memorial Day has been observed in this country for many years. Originally established to remember and honor our military dead, the day of observance has grown to a time when folks remember all their loved ones who have departed this life. Sometime over the busy weekend, many take time to visit cemeteries, decorate graves, and spend a few moments remembering those who have gone on before. A flood of memories fill the mind bringing both sadness at the loss felt and happiness for the time spent together. But then thoughts turn to enjoying time with our living loved ones with weekend trips or cookouts. The weekend can be bittersweet to say the least.

Solomon said, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. It is better to go into the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad” (Eccl. 7:1-3.) A baby’s birth is an occasion for joy but as the child grows, there must be a healthy dose of seriousness and an appreciation for life. Everyone wants to live happy and enjoy life. However, there must be a remembrance of mourning and sorrow to cause the serious approach to life needed to pursue a good name. The end of every single person is to go into the house of mourning themselves so preparing for that event is the most important part of living.

A good name is the most noble of pursuits. When the time comes to depart this life, a person’s works will be remembered. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors and their deeds follow them” (Rev. 14:13.) At death there is a ceasing of works on the earth but the remembrance of those works go on - whether those works are good or bad. Pursue a good name while there is time and there is no better name to have than that of “Christian” for therein is eternal reward.

Let Memorial Day (and everyday) remind all of the seriousness of life and the need to prepare for “the end of all mankind.” Let it make real Christians out of all of us.