Portable Memorial

While using the walking trail in our town the other day I took some time to notice the array of trees planted along the way specifically in memory of someone. Each tree has a post before it topped by an engraved plate. The plate bears testimony to the memory of a loved one.

Memorials are so prevalent in our world that we almost become blinded to their presence. Living memorials like trees are a great way to remind others of the value of life. Memorials fashioned from granite declare the enduring legacy of someone from the past.

And then I thought of the memorial that I stop at each Sunday morning. It is the proclamation of a Man and His gift to the world. By the simple act of drinking a bit of grape juice and consuming a unleavened wafer, I am reminded of the sacrifice of God's Son. I am reminded of supreme love. I am reminded of the cost of sin. I am challenged to evaluate my life and go deeper in my walk with God.

That memorial is also unlike most others in that it is not locked to a certain spot on the earth. Although the sacrifice of Jesus Christ happened on a hill outside Jerusalem, every week (probably every day) people gather in memory wherever they are, inspired and grateful. The memorial is portable because it transcends geography. It finds us. And it changes us.