“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.”

First published day 162: Memorial Day Weekend 2009

Memorial Day weekend is one of my favorite three-day weekends of the whole year. This break marks the beginning of summer and a new attitude and feeling around the office. Some companies swing into “summer hours”, company softball teams start playing, the days are longer and it is more common to get together after work, etc. We all know the feeling when summer is in the air. When we go home we see green shoots on the trees, flowers poking up their blooms, green all around us. Memorial Day weekend is the kick-off of that period for me. It’s like the caterpillar that was all bundled up for winter then can come out to fly and enjoy the outdoors like a butterfly. So, needless to say more, I really look forward to this time. The original purpose of the holiday in the United States was to stop for a moment and remember those who have served and died for our country. While this gets lost in the picnics, cookouts, beach, parties, etc. we should not lose sight of this remembrance and honoring of those who have, and who currently are, fighting on our behalf.

I also think that Memorial Day is a great time of the year to also remember who we are in this world and the role that we play. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Romans 12:2: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” Read that again slowly and feel God speaking to you. This is a good time of the year to also feel like the spiritual caterpillar who can be transformed into the new spiritual butterfly. As we go into this long weekend and we have time to reflect on how things are going at work, at home, or in other parts of our lives, take the time to ponder the words of Paul and see if this summer season cannot be a time of allowing God to make a transformation in you so that as you come back to work the others around you see and ask about the change in you. It is a marvelous time to be living and better yet, to be alive in our faith and living out our purpose for God. Have a great long weekend!

Reference: Romans 12:2 (New Living Testament)