We have just celebrated Memorial Day. Once known as ‘Decoration Day,? Memorial Day was established shortly after the American Civil War and designated as a time to decorate the graves of those who died in battle. The spring season was chosen because it was thought that flowers would be in bloom during that time.
We do have the sad task of decorating fresh graves in this day. These are the graves of those who have given their life sacrificially so that we can continue to walk in the peace and safety of life in the United States.
When standing over a grave, questions always come to mind: ‘Whose life is enriched because this person was in it?? ‘Who did they leave behind?? ‘What would they want me to know about them?? ‘What was their story??
Everyone has a story. As Christians, we have His-story’the story of Christ found in the Bible. The Bible is not only the story of Christ, but also the story of other people and their walk with God, their family stories, their failures and successes.
Jeremiah 31:21 says in part, ‘Set up signposts, Make landmarks;?? What are you going to leave behind? What legacy will you leave your children? Will it be one of sacrifice and service to our country? Will it be one of living a life following Christ and being honorable in all your deeds and conduct?
The spring season is a time of hope and renewal. The barrenness of winter is behind us. If we have not been all that we can be up to this point in time, now is the time to make that change.
There is always a new day in God. Nothing is impossible for God. If you say ‘God could never use me,? I challenge you to see how He has used some unlikely characters in the Bible to make great changes.
God promised Abraham he would make him a father of many. This was spoken at a time when there seemed to be no hope in the natural for him to be a father. Thousands of years later, multitudes of people in the earth claim to be heirs of Abraham either through his natural seed or his spiritual seed.
We may not always see how God is going to use our life, but we can start impacting the next generation now. As parents, we have the powerful ability to shape and mold our children.
My mother imparted to me her strong faith and Christian beliefs. Because of her devotion, I walk in the blessed life that I lead and am also able to lead a large congregation. The congregation is no longer just a local group of people; it has grown to be a global congregation. I have the responsibility to train and equip my natural children, as well as those that I mentor and work with.
While it is always good to look back and see where we have come from, we cannot stay focused there. We need to be forging ahead and walking in the purposes that God has for us.
What are you thankful for? What people have made a lasting impression in your life? Knowing what you know now, what will you change for the future? In looking ahead, what goals do you have? What legacy will you leave for the next generation? Whose life will you reach out and affect today? What landmark will you make? How will it be decorated?
The Rev. Loren Covarrubias is pastor of Mt. Zion Church.