As I sat enjoying a peaceful day off on Memorial Day last week, American Flags flew throughout the neighborhood to honor and remember those who gave their lives so bravely, that we might continue to live and pursue our dreams in the “land of the free.” My neighbor across the street, a Vietnam Vet himself, faithfully flies not only the American flag, but the POW/MIA flag as well, reminding us to never forget those victims of war who may still be alive, but are perhaps living in horrific conditions in a far-away land. Remembering ~ that’s what Memorial Day is all about. But in our busy lives as we strive to work and care for our families, sometimes it is hard to remember to remember.

There are times however, that I believe we choose not to remember, especially the unpleasant things. It’s just easier that way. Sometimes I too wonder what benefit there can possibly be in looking back on all those hard times and the pain and hurt of the past. Oh, I understand the value of remembering the good things in our lives ~ the times when we were in need and God came through for us. And I can even appreciate the importance of never forgetting our history and everything we’ve been through and fought so hard to protect as a nation. After all, as the philosopher and novelist George Santayana wrote “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Perhaps that is the reason we need to look back on both the good and the bad. If we allow ourselves to remember only the positive things in life, what will we learn and how will we ever move ahead toward a better future?

God Himself seems to be big on remembering too. The New International Version of the Bible uses the word remember 236 times in 230 verses, many of which directly command His people the Israelites and us, to never forget the past. God tells us to remember all He has done for us. But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. (Deuteronomy 7:18) Jesus asks us to remember what it cost Him to set us free! He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” (Luke 22:19) He wants us to remember how He has provided for us. I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. (Psalm 77:11) God tells us never to forget what He has done or Who He is, and never ever to forget how much He loves us ~ so much that although He remembers everything, He chooses to forget our sin! “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)

So remember to remember. Even if it’s hard. Even when it hurts. Remember what worked well for you and your family in the past, and remember the things that went wrong. And even more importantly, remember why they went wrong. Remember the things you need to forgive ~ and then forgive them. The families of those we honored on Memorial Day never imagined they would no longer have their sons and daughters, husbands and wives with them to live out their dreams. Remember your family and loved ones and all they have done for you.

Remember the things you loved as a child or as a teen, the things you dreamed of doing when you grew up, and chase after them still! There’s a reason God put those passions inside of you when you were young! And remember the friends who were there for you during your life. In this day of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter ~ rekindle those friendships ~ even childhood friendships.

Finally, remember the lessons God taught you in the hard times of your life. And remember that God does not change. He is as powerful, faithful, kind and forgiving today as He was during those trying times. Remember that His promises never end. Remember… there is power, strength, forgiveness, peace and yes, even joy in remembering. Who or what do you need to let yourself remember today? Take the time. Take the chance. Make the choice to remember. See what God can do with your memory and His power!