On May 12, 2007, my daddy died. Every May 12th I remember. All of us have dates when we remember loved ones. We remember their smiles, their unique quirks in their personalities, their hugs, and their belly laughs. Their love is stamped on our hearts, and it will never leave us; they are part of who we are. There is such joy in remembering, joy in remembering the good times and joy for the Christian who knows they will see their loved ones again. But, in the process of remembering, we also are reminded of our loss. I am reminded of Daddy’s absence, the void in my life, the huge, important place he used to fill. Joy and Sorrow are intermingled in the remembering. Jesus commands us to remember Him. We are commanded to not forget, the love He stamped on our hearts with the cross, the pain He suffered so we might have eternal life with Him. With joyful anticipation we remember, knowing we will see Him again, and we will join with our Christian brothers and sisters and have a family reunion like no other. So remember in joy, knowing the pain will be gone on that great reunion day.
– Dr. TimThompson