Memorial Day

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. Jim Elliot

It is Memorial Day weekend and my thoughts wander broadly. I think of the man in the trench many years ago. It is raining here this morning and I thought to myself of those who in fox holes waited rain or shine. And I thought, there is something about a hole in the ground… it tends to fill with water as it rains. How miserable it must have been to be there soaked to the skin most likely wading in a pool of water and still requiring ones self to keep alert for the men who would come shortly and take your life.
Today, we remember all those lives if we will stop to do it…and we ought to. We ought to remember not because all that we appreciate in this country was purchased with their blood. All that is fading quickly away. And it is not because they are a son to someone, perhaps a brother and in modern times perhaps even a sister. And even the fact that those lost to eternity were heroes to many we can see they were heroes to all of us as well. No, I think as we remember we need to see that they are examples to us. going forward and even today it is required of us to be the example of what is right. And to fight with our lives to protect it. “He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot loose”.
The thinking in the minds of many is that what is “right” is subjective. Somehow it is incumbent on the man to assemble his own system of rights and privileges. That cannot possibly be true. we are a community. A planet all together in one world and what I do will always affect others. In all nature there is a right way our own genomes are coded the right way and if that right way is affected the person suffers. Perhaps even they fail to live at all. No, it cannot be. I believe the bible. Not with interpretations of the bible torn apart and made to Seem a tool for all the things which we see as right. I believe the scripture is a true guide for living a selfless life and in that we find the victory. For everyone.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Jim Elliot, died shortly after penning that quote. He went on mission to a native tribe who had no issue with killing him and the others with him. They did what they thought at the time was right. And yet it cost those men their lives. Later the people were taught the living word and became changed. Elliot’s wife was even able to visit and talk to the man who had killed her husband years before completely a changed individual. That is the power of Christ.
Today as we remember the sacrifices made perhaps, we can include those made in attempt to make the world a better place. Either we give our life at once or slowly over time it is a fact our lives will end. How much greater a legacy if I can join those who are remembered on days such as this.

Jeff