Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending the day with my youngest son. After sharing conversation and laughs, our talk veered onto plans for the upcoming spring break. Several activies had been tossed around, but none solidified. As we discussed some of the options, I blurted out that I wished we had the money to make a trip to D.C. as I'd fallen in love with our nation's capital when I visited a few years ago and longed to share it with my children.
I began gushing about the sites that allowed my patriotic heart to unfurl into the full blossom of American pride. I listed the overwhelming reality of freedom's price at Arlington Cemetery. I mentioned the horror of mankind's cruelty and willingness to sacrifice life at the Holocaust museum. I bespoke of the Vietnam memorial, the World War II memorial, the Lincoln memorial, and finally the pandas at the National zoo. At this tidbit, my son burst into jolly laughter. I turned a curious eye onto him and waited for him to explain. He pointed out the irony that my fondness for the city revolved around "death and war" with the exception of the pandas. I paused and reflected at his words.
It is true. My American heritage was built upon the lives and sacrifice of countless others. Walking through those places that honor patriotism draws one into an identity as an American.
I was struck by the parrallel nature of our lives as Christians. From the outside, it looks as if we dwell on "death" through the suffering and crucifixtion of our Lord. It is submerging ourselves in the reality of His death and sacrifice; however, that allows us to understand our identity as followers of Christ. As we enter into this season that honors the death and resurrection, may we not stop at remembrance. The war for mankind wages around us. May our allegiance with the God of Heaven and Earth call us to fight bravely and with abandonment for the souls around us. May those who follow after us witness your complete surrender.
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