EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
Take some time to remember your past

By H. Murray Hohns

I was a Cub Scout 65 years ago and 5,000 miles from here.

What made Memorial Day special was that I got to wear my uniform and march in the parade that our village sponsored to commemorate this holiday.

I can still remember how hard it was to stay in step with our Cub pack leader, as well as looking for my mother's indication of approval a I proceeded past her vantage point.

I don't do much marching these days, though my life is filled with many memorials and memories.

Though related, these two words have very different meanings.

Memorials provoke memories or recollection.

Strangely, we all need to be reminded about things past or we can get so taken with what is on hand that our thoughts are simply filled with the "now." Every one of us needs to take time to remember where we came from to know where we are going and why.

Scripture tells us how God insisted that the patriarchs of our faith often stop on their way to build memorials by gathering stones and laying them upon each other into an altar or other shape that would be easily recognized in the future to give them pause to remember that this was the place where I wrestled with God; where he held back the water so we could cross on dry ground and so many more wonderful situations and places where God intervened in the life of his people.

Though we are often too busy to notice, he is still intervening in our lives, community and the world around us.

This holiday, like those memorials of old, are to trigger our memories not only to recall the men and women who rose to their call to protect our country and freedoms, but also to remember God, family and so many others who contributed much to our lives.

Indeed we typically fill our homes with pictures of those we love, places we have been or things we have done.

My home features all sorts of memorials, things that were put there to prompt my recollection of wonderful people and blessings that have been mine, but over time have become commonplace and lost much of their importance.

A songwriter once wrote:

"Count your many blessings; count them one by one. Count your many blessings and see what God has done."

Wise words for all of us on Memorial Day weekend. It's time to take a day to remember where we came from, how we got here, who helped us and to decide where and how we will go in the tomorrows we still have.

H. Murray Hohns of Makiki is a retired engineer and an associate pastor at New Hope Christian Fellowship. The Expressions of Faith column welcomes works from leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted may be used by The Advertiser in print, electronic or other forms.