Memories.
You never know when an experience—a sound, a smell, an image—is going to remind you of something from long ago.
And sometimes the facts and events we “remember” are not things we actually experienced, but stories that we remember being told.
I have an old manual typewriter that I bought at a thrift store a few years back. I thought it would make a cool display with some of my books stacked around it. (Boy, am I glad I didn’t actually have to use a typewriter to write those books!)
My grandkids think it is a really cool toy. They almost always ask me to take it off the shelf when they’re at our house so they can type on it.
They have no real “typewriter” memories. I, on the other hand, actually used one very similar to that when I was a kid. When I graduated from high school, my parents bought me an electric typewriter to take to college. Every paper I turned in for four years of college and one semester of seminary was written on that typewriter.
Then I bought my first computer with a “word processing” program and the world began to change.
My Granny Lewis could type over 120 words per minute on a manual typewriter. She worked as a secretary for an insurance agency until she was in her 70s. She retired when she started making typing mistakes on the electric typewriter because the sensitivity of the keyboard was so much different than the manual typewriter.
I don’t have any real memories of Granny’s typing (other than a few typed notes she sent me). My “memories” are of the stories I was told of her typing prowess.
Memorial Day.
The United States has three holidays related to recognizing military service. Armed Forces Day recognizes those who currently wear the uniform of the various military branches. Veterans Day recognizes those who hung up the uniform and no longer actively serve. Memorial Day recognizes those who never took off the uniform because they died in service.
I personally have no real memory of someone who died in service of our country, but I “remember” all those through the history of our nation who gave their last drop of blood and their last breath to make possible many of the freedoms I far too often take for granted.
But there are a few principles I must never forget.
These who I “remember” today did not give it all so I can have things my way, have the America that I want, have my tribe as the dominant force, or require anyone else to conform to my worldview.
These who I “remember” today did not give it all so I can have things my way, have the America that I want, have my tribe as the dominant force, or require anyone else to conform to my worldview.CLICK TO TWEET
Their sacrifice actually gives people with whom I vehemently disagree the same inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Their sacrifice actually gives people the right to point out the ways that we have failed to implement the ideals of liberty and justice for all without having their love and respect for America questioned.
Their sacrifice actually gives people the right to point out the ways that we have failed to implement the ideas of liberty and justice for all without having their love and respect for America questioned.CLICK TO TWEET
I want to be a better listener—especially to those whose voices have been marginalized, silenced, and ignored.
I owe it because of those who died to make it possible. I owe it because I want future generations to remember that my generation handled our time well.
I want to be a better listener – especially to those whose voices have been marginalized, silenced, and ignored. I owe it because of those who died to make it possible.CLICK TO TWEET
Be amazing today, my friend.
