John 15:13 KJV
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Memorial Day weekend always brings a lot of mixed emotions for me. Of course we think about those who gave their lives in service to our country...those who sacrificed everything so that we can live in freedom. We don't ever want to forget them...or their loved ones who also made a huge sacrifice. I also think of those who may have come back home from war, but they were never the same. So many suffer from PTSD, battle scars and wounds that we may not be able to see on the surface, but they carry them with them deep inside and their lives are forever changed. And then of course those who have physical wounds that have altered their lives significantly as well. Yes, we honor and remember them, and pray for them and their loved ones who must also deal with the changes in their beloved that affects their whole lives and relationships. May we pause to remember them all, and do our part to live in such a way that is worthy of their sacrifices. Living here in our country is a privilege and a blessing that we should never take for granted. Our world is so full of strife and volatility...and if it weren't for those on the front lines making these sacrifices for us, we would not be able to continue to live in such peace and comfort.
Of course, Memorial Day Weekend also signals the beginning of "summertime" here in America...maybe not literally the Summer Solstice, which isn't until June 21st, but it seems to be the unofficicial kick off for summer vacations and activities. In many places school is already out or soon will be, and people are ready to head to the beaches, lakes, parks, picnic grounds and all other outdoor activities. We took a ride yesterday morning to go see where our son was set up with his products for a flea market. The community where he was is also a kind of outdoor activity destination in the Ocala National Forest. There are lakes and springs and a river and campgrounds and woods. The boats were lined up at the boat ramps and people were very anxious to get out on the water and enjoy a beautiful sunny day. Cars were lined up at the entrance to the Springs (Salt Springs State Park) for about a mile, waiting for them to open the gates.
These pictures were taken actually on our way back home, across the big bridge in Eureka, FL., which was built originally to be a part of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, but that project was scrapped in the 1960's.
Up Up and away!
At the top of the bridge...
Going back down the other side...
Blast from the past, this is me back in 2012, standing under that bridge...
This is what I wrote on Facebook with this picture (below) back in 2012: "You have to come see this very high long bridge out in the middle of nowhere to believe it. Our tax dollars at work (back in the 1960's) before the Barge Canal was scrapped due to environmental concerns."
Click HERE for the history of this project. Unfortunately not that many people were as interested in going to the flea market as they were in getting to the water. So it wasn't a great day for sales for our son, but he didn't do too badly. Here's a few pictures I took there:
He used to do a lot of signs back when we lived there in the forest and he used to be at this flea market all the time. I think he's decided to wait and go back in the fall when the snow-birds and weekend campers are there, and when it's a lot cooler.
I love these crosses...
There's usually a vegetable stand there, and I decided to buy a watermelon so we could have it today when "the kids" all came over for lunch...it was a seedless watermelon...and VERY SWEET and DELICIOUS!
Here's my piece! It REALLY was good!!! Question, do you put salt on your watermelon? I usually do, and I did today, but honestly, it was so sweet I probably didn't need to.
I didn't take any other pictures of the family here with us today...we were too busy enjoying our grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, deviled eggs, corn on the cob, fresh sliced tomatoes and lettuce and onions and then the watermelon for dessert. It was all very good and very special, just being together.
I took this picture a little while ago, as I thought about this day and all that it means to us.
You see, for us, this day holds other special memories. Today, May 25th, 2025, is the 11th anniversary of the passing of our son Matthew from this life into heaven. So you see why Memorial Day weekend holds a lot of emotion and memories for us.
I know these pictures aren't very clear, but this is on the counter top of the island in our kitchen, and I keep these photos there to remind me of our son in his happier, healthier days, before he was struck with cancer in 2010, and fought it bravely and valiantly for 4 years before Jesus called him home in 2014.
And this photo is on our refrigerator door...this is the last "family portrait" of Matthew and his wife Nicole and their son Noah, taken in the spring of 2014 when they were down here in Florida for a vacation and to celebrate Matthew's 41st birthday with us and all the family. They spent a few days together at the beach before heading back to Maine. Three months later his battle with cancer was over and he was in heaven, totally healed and never to suffer any more pain.
So yes, Memorial Day weekend has a special significance for us.
I saw this quote from Martin Luther on the little devotional calendar yesterday, and it spoke to my heart:
Yes, that is so true...the "things" we have held in our hands that are temporal; houses, land, personal "treasures", those are all gone when we leave this world. But our loved ones, especially our children...they never really belonged to us...they are a gift to us from God...on "loan" from God for us to nurture, love, cherish and teach them to love and believe in God, but if and when God says it is time for them to come "home" to be with Him in Heaven, we have no choice but to let them go. They belong to Him, not us. But the good news is, because we have done our part to place our children in God's hands when we dedicate them to the Lord, we know that He will receive them back with love and tenderest care, and someday we will all be reunited in Heaven for eternity. That is the believer's great hope and prayer.
That's why this verse in Proverbs 22:6 is so important for every parent to know and believe...
Even if our child should wander away and go his own way for a time, I truly believe that if we have done our part as parents in teaching them about the love of Jesus, when that child is older he will come back to those "roots" that were planted so long ago. We personally may not live to see it here on earth, but I truly believe the time will come when that "child" will remember the faith that was taught to him/her as a child, and he will come "home" eventually. That's why we should never stop praying for our children no matter how old they are or how far away they've roamed. God hears our prayers, and He knows which children are His, and John 10:28-29 tells us that NO ONE shall ever be able to snatch them out of God's hand...
John 10:27-30 NKJV
27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
30 I and My Father are one.”
I hope this brings some comfort to you today.
Thank you for hanging in there with me through this whole long post. It's been a difficult day, but a beautiful day, and I am so thankful for all that God has given me. I know that none of that which I have placed in His hands will ever be lost. Praise God!!
I hope that you and yours will have a peaceful and blessed Memorial Day tomorrow. Remember those who have given so much for our freedom, and perhaps also remember those that you love who have gone on before to their great reward and final rest. We have so much to look forward to someday!!!
Good Night my friends.
