Engage

Forgetful but grateful

A powerful message from a communion service many years ago often comes to my mind on days like today, Memorial Day. Our young pastor in introducing the service that particular day suggested that Jesus instituted what we now call the Lord’s Table for an important reason. He posited that Jesus knew well that we are a forgetful people.

A powerful message from a communion service many years ago often comes to my mind on days like today, Memorial Day. Our young pastor in introducing the service that particular day suggested that Jesus instituted what we now call the Lord’s Table for an important reason. He posited that Jesus knew well that we are a forgetful people. We needed a way to regularly be reminded of the truth of the gospel as well as His sacrifice and the confident hope of His second coming. (I Cor. 11:24)

Listening to the Memorial Day Concert from Washington I was vividly reminded of the sacrifice of so many of our own young people who have through the years preserved our freedom with their willingness to lay down their lives for our country. Not only the sacrifice of the troops, but also of the sacrifice of the families who also serve us by allowing their loved one to leave and serve. And we were reminded that many of our servicemen returned but bearing scars that will last a lifetime.

I’m challenged today to find a way to express both to the Savior and to our servicemen and women my gratitude and thankfulness. It is easy to complain about little things in daily life that frustrate me. Too easily I forget the reality of sacrifices that have given me the opportunity for life and liberty.

This week, let us spend time in thanking Jesus for laying down His life to free us from sin and give us life. Let us find a way to express to families and servicemen and women our gratitude and appreciation this Memorial Day for the freedoms we enjoy today. I’m glad we have an annual reminder to do so; may we not be so forgetful all year long.

Gwynne Johnson currently serves on the Board of Entrust, Inc., an international education and training mission where she authored the Entrust curriculum, Developing a Discerning Heart. She recently served as Co-Chair of the training project, Christian Women in Partnership, Russia and as Senior Director of Women's Ministry at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. Gwynne has a M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She currently lives in Huntsville, Texas with her husband of 58 years, Don. She works part-time in her daughter and granddaughter's bakery "The Best Box Ever," where she gets paid in cookies.

One Comment

  • Carla Galanos

    Thanks for reminding us of

    Thanks for reminding us of the Lord's Supper and the purpose of Memorial Day, Gwynne.

    Yes, we are forgetful people–but forever grateful for the sacrifice of Christ and our servicemen and women.