Isaiah 25:8 – He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.
This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day, and for most of us this only signals a three-day weekend and the unofficial start of summer. We make plans for cookouts and vacations, and in all these fun activities it is easy to forget those who mourn. If it wasn’t for the sacrifice of others, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate the way we do at this time of year.
Unfortunately, mourning has never been a one-day thing. When we experience a loss, it comes in waves. It starts as a sharp, sudden shock and the news of the loss is so unconscionable that we almost refuse to believe it. Then the deep sadness sets in as you realize that things will never be the same again. This is the time when you just put one foot in front of the other and try to make it through the day. This walk is slow but over time you are able to pick up the pace. You are able to go on even if it means that you walk with a limp.
This Memorial Day, let us remember those that we have lost, and the loved ones left behind. As we weep with those who are weeping, I hope we also look forward to the glorious day when Jesus returns, and all is made right. We look forward to a time when death is no longer something to be feared. Isaiah 25:9, “It will be said on that day, ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’”
When you are going through a hard time cling to that still small spark of hope that the next day might be a little better than the last.