Memorial Day in America has got to be one of the strangest 24-hour periods on any calendar. Those who have experienced the loss of a loved one in war no doubt feel deep sadness. Others have barbecues, go to parks and beaches, and see it as the joyous kick off to summer.
While not so obvious, it’s likely that such disparities are occurring all the time. A best selling book tells about the day its main character was diagnosed with a terminal disease. The door leaving the doctor’s office let him out onto a busy city street. He was shocked to see people there going about their normal routines … walking, talking, laughing, doing business, riding bikes. Didn’t they know that life had basically just ended – for him?
The Bible has an answer for these dilemmas. It tells me to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. In order to do that, I have to put my own emotions aside for a time. Or – better yet – share my feelings with someone who will join my weeping and/or rejoicing, thus making my burden lighter so I can help carry someone else’s. That’s community, and it’s something important for me to remember, on Memorial Day and throughout the year.