It is the time of year that we join together to recall the events that took place in 1914-1918, 1939-45. On the 11th day, of the 11th month, to commemorate the end of WW1, we stop and remember.
What do you remember. This week I would like us to consider four different categories of events we can bring back to our thought easily. Try it out for yourself and see if you agree.
Are there any other types of events that you can recall easily?
Repetition. For all those actions that take place without conscious thought, as they are so natural and part of your habit; it would be unusual if you did not do them. Can you think of 10 automatic actions you make everyday, that you always remember?
Significant. Dates in the calendar that mean something special to us, that we choose to remember in a celebratory or reflective way. Birthdays and anniversaries are positive examples.
Trauma. The loss of a loved one or a difficult situation are times, like the 11th of November, that we choose to mark as a time of solemn reflection. We remember the loss and look for hope for the future.
Unexpected. We all have our routines and habits. My weekend looks very familiar. Friday night youth club at church, Saturday morning football. Saturday afternoon football watching Accrington Stanley. Saturday evening pizza and movie. Sunday morning church. Sunday afternoon with family. Sunday evening planning for work. Are you a creature of habit too?
Do you remember easily the things that knock you out of your usual flow?
In John chapter 15, we read that Jesus combines tragedy and beauty in his instructions to his disciples. In verse 12, He says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Love has often come to mean kindness and joy. But in verse 13, Jesus reminds them that love is demonstrated in pain and suffering, and even death. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
As we choose to remember together the cost of lives during these wars, and subsequent conflicts, let us remember that love and sacrifice, in the words of Jesus are so closely connected. How can we love others today?
