Remember.....

"This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt.  And my Spirit remains among you.  Do not fear."  (Haggai 2:5)

"Do you remember ______?"  Fill in the blank....  It could be songs, special days, special events or how fast the kids grew.  It could be the time you "blew it" like when I complimented my mother-in-law on the beautiful dress she was wearing.  She asked if I didn't recognize the dress....  Nope, I didn't.  She had worn it at our wedding less than a year before.  Conversations can frequently be "do you remember _____" with the person your talking to saying "No.  It was ______."  Aren't they fun!?

Scrptures, and the special day, are for remembering.  Scriptures are pointing out God "remains among you." (Haggai 2:5)  And Paul is reminding the Ephesians of their, and our, faith.  (Ephesians 1:15)  Jesus is pointing out "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh."  (Luke 6:21b)  Two very important points here -- it is good to have a gentle reminder of the "good" things.  AND our faith, our sure knowledge that our loved ones are now a part of the Commuion of Saints helps our faith so we can laugh.  One of the memories I have, of after our mother died, is Dad's grief group talking about SOJAG.  Sudden Outbursts of Joy and Gladness -- SOJAG.  Yes, there are still times we can be angry, or crying, for the loved one no longer with us, but there are also times we start laughing and are glad -- SOJAG.  Jesus is showing us this gift.

So......  on this celebration of All Saints Day......  "do you remember?"  Can we celebrate, with SOJAG, our loved ones who are with the Communion of the Saints?  Something to think about.......