creating a future from our memory...

Today is Memorial Day, a day that we honor the memory of those who have died while serving in our armed forces during war or other military action. Although this day has largely been generalized to include anyone who has died, it is important that we single out the memory of those who have died while protecting our freedom and give thanks to God for them. Culturally, it seems that it isn't so much that we honor individuals, but rather what was gained (or preserved) by them. This isn't to belittle their individual sacrifices, however. I honestly believe that they'd rather have us think of what they have 'bought' us with their lives than remember what they specifically did. In a way, you can say that they bought our future with their past.

Now let's think about us: What future are we 'buying' for others with our present lives? What legacy for others are we creating now? Obviously, if your life is being lived totally for you and your personally present gain, you probably won't be able to see much benefit for folks in the future from your life. That would be very sad, wouldn't it? Jesus died so that others could live, ourselves included, and if we are to allow him to now live his life through us, then one way we can evaluate our 'success' in that is to evaluate what kind of future we are creating for others. Basically, if we are living our lives for the sake of others, then we can probably imagine the blessing others will know down the road as a result, even though we have to leave most of that up to God to work out. But we can still ask the question of ourselves: What future am I creating for others? If what you 'see' looks pretty good, then keep up the good work! But if what you 'see' looks bleak or even worse, non-existent, then perhaps it would be a good time to do some self-reflection and prayer about what your purpose and priorities are in life. Jesus (still) desires to change the world through you. It's never too late to turn it around and make a difference for him, creating a future for others. What will the future look like because you have lived in the present?