Everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

John 6:40b

Holidays hold special memories of my childhood. Memorial Day ranks high on my list. It always included parades, picnics, and the beginning of summer fun. For my family it also meant a day to visit the cemetery, remembering “that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13b).

In Wisconsin, lilacs are one of the first early flowers to bloom in spring. It’s pure joy to stop and smell the fragrant blossoms. We gathered big bouquets and placed them in containers on the graves of our loved ones. It’s a common practice to celebrate life and death events with flowers. We can rejoice with those who have gone before us! Because of their faith and hope in our risen Savior, they are at peace in heaven, “what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9b).

Clare Hilgendorf
Appleton, WI

Lord, help me to give thanks even as I grieve. Amen.

Reflect: Celebrate the memory of a loved one by giving flowers to a grieving friend.

Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and James 1:12