What difference do memories make? Some memories flood the soul with nostalgic warmth as we recall love and positive experiences. Other memories leave a person paralyzed as trauma is relived and a victim is unable to move forward. Still other memories inspire and energize an individual to conquer obstacles that would otherwise become roadblocks.
In just a couple of weeks most of us will celebrate Mother’s Day which will likely include a phone call or personal visit if one’s mother is still alive or a time of reflection and appreciation if she has passed on.
Following that date many will celebrate the graduation of loved ones with gifts, ceremonies and receptions honoring the accomplishments of the past that cumulate into a diploma.
At the end of May Americans will honor Memorial Day (or Decoration Day as it was previously called) where the dedication and sacrifice of our fallen soldiers will be recalled and esteemed. A personal tradition I began several years ago is to watch the movie Saving Private Ryan each year on this weekend. The movie begins and ends in a cemetery where the words of a simple two-word phrase had haunted a man and brought him to this somber place of remembrance. The majority of the movie is a flashback of events that led up to the scene where Captain Miller speaks into the ear of Private Ryan two four-lettered words, “Earn this.”
Another character (Reiben) murmurs, "Ryan better be worth it. He better go home and cure some disease or invent a new, longer-lasting lightbulb." This phrase, “earn this”, had so haunted Ryan that as he stands before Capt. Miller’s grave marker he weeps uncontrollably and asks his wife if his life justified the sacrifice. She wisely consoles him with the fact that his life truly has been significant because of his relationship to his family and those around him.
As this post is being composed, Easter is just around the corner. I am reminded of another quote associated with memories. As Jesus shared the bread and the wine with his disciples he told them to “do this in remembrance of me.” This is more than a rite of worship or some magical spell connected to a ceremony. It is a challenge that implies “Because I have done this for you, what are you going to do with your life?” We can never “earn this”, but we must respond to it.
This is a phrase that demands more than sentimental reflection. It is too important to relegate to simple nostalgic warmth. It is impregnated with power that guides us past the paralysis of guilt. It inspires and energizes each one of us to a more sincere love for God and a more sacrificial love for those He puts in our lives.
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