As I visit the graves of those I love, memories flood my soul.  My grandfather loved me dearly and I knew it.  As far back as I can remember thoughts of him remind me of God’s great blessings.  He called me “Daughter,” and I felt honored.  I have his yellowed tattered Bible and I can still see him with it opened on his lap before dawn each morning.

            My grandmother’s singing echoes in my ears as she churned butter in the big dasher with a funny round stick called a "dasher.".  I well remember her pickled peaches, “rainbow” cakes, quilting frames, and Sunday dinners for the revival preacher.  Her love for my grandfather left an indelible impression upon me.  “Granddaddy’s the best man in the world, and he’s so handsome!”  Granddaddy seemed a little embarrassed each time she said that and he would say, “I’ll declare.”

            I watched my dad take care of my mother for ten long, tedious years.  He drew pictures for the beautician of how he wanted her hair to look.  He pursued the best medical treatment for her that could be obtained.  He stayed by her side, day and night in the many hospital confinements.  “Sixty-five years of love and I would do it all again,” he said proudly to visitors.

            My mother heart’s desire was to have a college education.  She sacrificed her time and money for my brother and me to have that privilege.  She taught Sunday school for more years than I can count.  She went the second mile for so many and never thought of any compensation.  She had a servant’s heart.

            On this Memorial Day, I will decorate the resting places of those I hold so dear.  I will be thankful to a loving God who has filled my life with so many who loved me, guided me and taught me God’s way. 

I will remember that nothing done for God is ever wasted, but can have a life long effect upon a person’s life.   I’ll be grateful for God’s plan for his children.  Even though my grandparents and parents had hard times and difficulties, their faith in God carried them through.  They left me a treasured precious legacy.

            On this Memorial Day I will honor those who have lost their lives in protecting freedom.  I honor the military, firemen, policemen and others who put their lives on the line every day.  Their love and unselfishness is displayed in its truest form.  “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”  (John 15:13 NIV).

            Not just on Memorial Day, but every day is a day to honor a man who died on an old rugged cross for all of us.  He paid a debt we could not pay.  He gave his life to set us free from eternal destruction.

 I thank God for Jesus!  I will remember every day of my life the price Jesus paid by his death and I will thank him for that great sacrifice.

            Recounting the faithfulness of God in my own life testifies to his presence.  He is there to encourage, sustain, comfort and heal.  It is hard to see the way clear when one is going through the valley, but even in the darkest night we are not alone...”God has said, …“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

            Whenever I recount my memorials and the places the Lord has brought me through, how can I help but sing about his goodness and mercy?

            On this Memorial Day I will remember, honor and be thankful for those who have gone on before me.

            Memorial Day is special because living in America is a privilege. 

            Let us all remember those who have made America the greatest place on earth