Memorial Day.....STILL

Many people may not know this, but Memorial Day weekend marks the anniversary of my (Phyllis') dad dying unexpectedly 17 years ago. It's amazing to me that some of the memories are still so fresh and real....almost palpable....and others? Others have faded with time. It is always sad to realize that the good memories are fading. However, I am thankful that some of the uncomfortable memories have become gray in color rather than stark black and white. The vividness of both of those kinds of moments are now lightened with God's grace and time.

I was surprised this year to miss my dad and the fact that my husband and children will never get to meet him. It caught me off guard, and I was tempted to have a pity party, if I am honest. In the quiet moments, another thought caught my mind too.....but this one? It tempted me to put a stake in the ground, a visual, tangible reminder that I can come back to and lay ahold of to recall the lesson I learned. In the Old Testament, God's people used to name a place and build an altar when they had a significant "God experience." Today? I was challenged by that idea.

What would I call this season? What would I call this state of being? How do I want to remember this year and THIS anniversary? One word. I have one word....

STILL.

My God, my Heavenly Dad, is STILL faithful (Heb. 10:23).

I wish I could capture more of what I mean when I say that, but words escape me.

He has been SO good through the years and through that traumatic experience, and ya know what the sweetest part about it all is? While I can't introduce those closest to me now to my earthly dad, I STILL get to introduce them, Lord willing, to my Heavenly Father! THAT is a privilege beyond comparison, and it is one I could NEVER accomplish on my own! Thank you to all those who sacrifice and give out of obedience and love so that we can serve our Good God here in PNG and share our Precious Lord with those around us. We are thankful this holiday for that gift and so many others...to God be the Glory!