Weekly Word - June 7, 2011

Behold, I tell you a mystery . . . We shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye . . .
(1 Corinthians 15: 51 & 52)

It was Memorial Day, our very first in the new house! We had been so busy planting and weeding, that we really hadn’t had time to put out our flags and such. So as Saturday came, Ted brought me all our flags and I headed to the front yard. I love decorating - for all sorts of holidays. But Memorial Day feels so special. As I put my flags around the porch, I found myself thinking back to other special days, special times that celebrated patriotism, freedom, and the memories of those who have left us . . .

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye . . .

She was “Gram” to all of us. Her children, grandchildren, and even those of us who had married into the family - we all were treated special by her. She and “Buppa” (her husband) lived on Main Street in their little town. Each Memorial Day the front of their pretty white house was decorated with the American flag flying proudly outside. Buppa had served in the Navy during WWII, and he was proud of that fact. As each of their 3 children and their families showed up, Gram would offer snacks to all the children. Then she would shoe them outside to wait for the parade. The back porch was already set up with table cloths and napkins, all ready for the picnic that would follow. The older children would be found throwing baseballs or playing on the swing set, and Gram would scold anyone that seemed even close to hurting one of the little ones. “Now Joey . . .” I can still hear her words as she carefully protected her family.

As the first strains of music sounded from down the street, everyone would run to the front yard. There were folding chairs and blankets put down for whoever wanted to sit. But truth be told, no one sat down - everyone stood in the street - trying to get as close to the parade as possible. Gram always had flags for the little ones, and they waved them back and forth as the parade came closer. Soon, the first police car was slowly driving by, it’s lights flashing and the policeman waving to everyone. The school band would follow, marching in time to the music. Then came the veterans, some holding flags, as they marched proudly down the street. We all clapped for these men and women who were heroes in our little town. And then there were the women in their blue suits, many carrying wreaths that would be laid in front of memorials and graves along the way. There were boy scouts, and girl scouts, and even a few horses in our little parade. All waving as they walked by. And then came the fire trucks. As the firemen blew their horns, the kids were already heading to the back yard, knowing the parade was over. It was such a little parade, and yet - it meant so much.

Standing there, the pictures seemed to fade back into time. But the emotions of family and love, seemed to stay with me . . .

(and) we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye . . .

As I put the first flag into the ground along our porch, so many emotions washed over me. It had been such a wonderful time of family and love - and yet it ended way too soon . . .

As waters that have passed by, you would remember . . .
And your life would be brighter than noonday; . . .
Then you would trust, because there is hope;
(Job 11: 16 - 18)

Looking around the front yard, at my porch and chairs, I couldn’t help but smile. I looked over at the neighbors, who waved at me. Then I saw another neighbor walking their dog. We had moved to such a nice neighborhood. As I thought about it all, a memory seemed to wash over me - one that I hadn‘t thought about in a very long time - one from almost 50 years ago . . .

As waters that have passed by, you would remember . . .

I was a little girl, maybe around 6 or so, when our street decided to have a parade. I was so excited at the time, and actually - we all were. Each house and family were decorating their front yards - and so we put streamers all around our wooden fence. Red, white, and blue seemed to be the colors up and down the street. The bigger boys decorated their bikes, streamers and flags flying from their handles and seats. Everything was finally ready for the big day.

As that Saturday morning dawned, excitement seemed to fill the air. We all got dressed in our special clothes that we picked out for the day. Somehow we all wanted to show how special the day was, and so red, white, and blue was put on by just about everyone. Soon, everyone was getting together right in front of my house (we lived at the very end of the street). We waited for all our neighbors to get there. Within minutes, we were all assembled. Mr. Krals was leading the way, as we started marching. He was dressed from head to toe as Uncle Sam! I remember laughing so hard as he came out of his house. He had a big baton in his hand, and he raised it high to signal the beginning of our parade. As we started marching, I looked over at my brother Robbie as he marched next to me - we both were waving our flags as we walked. My mom and dad were right next to us, mom holding little Wayne. The whole neighborhood marched together, children skipping and laughing as we celebrated such a little thing - the paving of our road!

There is an appointed time for everything.

And there is a time for every event under heaven - - -
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance . . .
(Ecclesiastes 3: 1 & 4)

Memories and Moments in time - it is funny how little moments in our lives can make such amazing memories. Gram and Buppa have been gone for a number of years now. The grandbabies are grown, and have moved on in their lives. But those moments of love and family are rooted deep into quite a few of those children. As Memorial Day came close, my own two children asked if we could all have a cook-out together - just like the days when Gram and Buppa were alive . . .

And there is a time for every event under heaven - - -

My dad has been gone now for almost 3 years. Mom lives in a nursing home, getting the care she needs for advanced Alzheimer’s. The little house we all lived in, was sold, and another family now calls it “home”. Many of the neighbors we knew “way back when” are also gone. But that day so long ago - - - still lives on inside of my being! We were families from different backgrounds, religions, and color. But on that day, we celebrated being neighbors and friends - working together for the life that our little town - and country - offered all of us . . .

He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart.
(Ecclesiastes 3: 11)

The week-end of Memorial Day was so full! We spent time visiting with my mom, and also with Jenny and Dan. We celebrated a birthday for a very special friend. And we had a cook-out at Mike and Kelly’s house. As Monday evening came, I found myself sitting on the front steps with Kelly. We just sat watching the kids running and playing on a “slip-n-slide”. They were all laughing with such joy, and I couldn‘t help but smile as I watched them. As I sat there, I took in the face of each of my children - and grandchildren. These were the moments that would live on - long after Ted and I have gone on . . .

He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart,
. . . There is nothing better - than to rejoice and to do good - it is the gift of God.
. . . Everything God does - will remain forever . . .
(Ecclesiastes 3: 11 - 14)

Each day, each moment, is an opportunity to make a memory. Taking the time to be with our family, our friends, and even our neighbors - can change a life. As we find ways to share what is good and precious in our lives, we find ourselves making special memories that will remain forever . . .

Memories and Moments in time - it is so easy to get caught up in all that keeps us busy and away from those we love. But without stopping to look around and see all that God has put in our lives - - - so much gets lost. It only takes a moment, to change everything! Will you take the time to stop - and look around you? Are you willing to share some time, and your love - with those God has put into your life? When you do - those moments in time - become memories that change our lives, and our world - forever . . .

. . . Everything God does - will remain forever . . .

God bless you and keep you - as you travel the road we call life! May you find the blessings He has waiting for you - all along the way!

In His Love,

Debbie & Ted Ayers