But honoring those we lost doesn’t have to be reserved for just Memorial Day weekend. In fact we should honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice throughout the year AND we should honor people in general. There are people all around us who make sacrifices for us. Whether it was a parent, family member, co-worker, friend or someone else entirely, there are people in our lives who have sacrificed so much for us. That is why we should take opportunities like Memorial Day to honor those around us. Honor those who gave their lives for us, but also those who made an impact in our lives. How can you do this?
- Honor those lost and their families. As great of a time it is for so many of us, this is a really hard time for a lot of others. Even though we are not in an active war currently, families have lost loved ones in military action. And, even if you take it a step further, people have lost loved ones period. Whether they are in the military or not, there have been loved ones lost recently. As I posted last year, take time to honor them by being a listening ear or caring soul. Be there for them as they share stories and their emotions.
- Honor those around you. Honor is a really big, broad word. There are lots of ways you can do this, not just on Memorial Day but daily. Honoring someone is to show great respect and to hold someone in high esteem. Whether you agree with everyone or not, you can honor them and respect them. You can treat them in a godly way. After all, Jesus said to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 10:30-31). He didn’t say love them sometimes or only love those who love you. He said love everyone as you do yourself. Love and honor are closely aligned. So love those around you. Honor those around you. Respect those around you. Do all these things daily and see how God uses that to minister to them.