Remember Who You Are

Remember Who You Are

This has been an intense week.  My mother-in-law had a heart attack.  We’ve learned again the importance of family and even more so the value of faith.  I’m grateful that she is doing well and we are hopeful for good days ahead.  Though we will return soon to be with her in the hospital nearly five hours away, we have come home for a brief respite and some rest.

On the way home, we traveled through the little town of Burke and passed by the cemetery where my father is buried.  Kathy and I stopped.  I have often visited the grave of my father.  I know he is not there.  Praise God, he is with the Lord.  His body was buried there.  I go to honor his name, respect his memory, and frankly to remember who I am. 

Today, I sat down on the ground in front of the grave.  I stared at the tombstone.  It says, ‘Jesus Saves’.  I like that.  I noticed that there was a hyphen between two numbers.  1920-1979.  My first thought was ‘that was too short a life’.  To be certain, plenty of people have lived a shorter life, but I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you it seems short to me.  Life is the dash between two dates, and how ever many years it is, it is a blink in light of forever. 

You may say, ‘Ok, Bruce, so what’s the story?’  I go to remind myself who I am.  I remembered again today that I am the son of a man who loved his wife and was faithful to her.  I’m the son of a man who loved his kids and was very good to us.  I’m the son of a man who believed the Bible, and was a man of prayer.  I’m the son of a man who loved the local church and respected the office of pastor.  I’m the son of a man who was a hard worker and lived an honest and respected life.  I want to be like him.

The other name on the tombstone is my mother’s.  I clearly recognized today there is no end date on her side of the stone.  She’s still living.  I talk to her regularly, but don’t visit her nearly enough.  I was made aware again today.  She is still alive.  My father-in-law and mother-in-law are still alive.  Having been with my in-laws earlier in the day, we also visited my Mom, after leaving the cemetery.  She was so glad to see us. 

For me, to keep the fire burning, I remember the past.  I remember who I am.  And I want more than ever to embrace the present and cherish every day.  I don’t know the future.  God does.  That’s enough for me.  I trust Him.  Oh, and by the way, if you are saved, you should really remember who you are:  child of God, redeemed, forgiven, assured of heaven, and you have a Savior who died for you to have an abundant life.  Embrace that.  Remember who you are.

Oh and by the way – when I leave my father’s grave, I now find myself saying in a whisper – though I know he is not there – ‘I will see you again!’  It’s the reminder to me of the hope we have in Jesus Christ.  That keeps the fire burning in my heart!

For the glory of God, and the sake of souls,