You Know Me, But Do I Know You?

Yesterday we remembered. Memorial Day. We solemnly honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. They gave it all. 

On social media, I came across a precious woman's post yesterday. Her name is Glennon. In her post online, she asked people to share the names of their loved ones who paid that price - their heros. In return, she promised to write down each name and hold a ceremony in the evening with her family to honor each and every name, out loud, and with respect. Displayed on her dining room wall, below is the picture she posted yesterday evening as she dutifully honored each and every name. 

pic copied from Momastery Facebook page

The night passed and morning came. As I sat outside this morning reading a book given to me by a special friend (thanks again, Diana!), I came across the following quote by Jennifer Geralds:

"We live in a world of over six billion people. Can you imagine trying to keep track of all those faces, those names, those life stories? The magnitude of it all can be overwhelming. Your own significance comes into question. Can a single life, like a drop of water in the ocean, really matter? "

As I reflected on Glennon's picture this morning, my heart responded to that question with a resounding, screaming YES! It is obviously a no-brainer, but how often I forget. 

Then, I came across Isaiah 49:15-16. God tells us, "I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands."

God knows us. He knows you. He knows me. He loves us and knows us. It's not just a love that is carved into a tree trunk and scratched out years later. We are forever engraved and carved into the palms of His hands. It is an intimate, forever kind of love, and we matter to Him. 

No matter how busy my life gets or how often I forget to study His word and talk with Him -- he NEVER forgets. 

As I reflected on this simple but often overlooked truth, I remembered the graduate school honors medal that I just received from Liberty University. It came in the mail. A GOLD medal. It is given to Masters students who graduate with a 3.95 GPA or higher.  

I was so proud of this medal. I worked hard to graduate with a 4.0. Granted, we know that God asks us to give our best in all that we do (Colossians 3:23-24). So, I am not discrediting the merit of hard work. However, what I ashamedly realized was that I've spent so much of my time learning and gleaning from the world's knowledge, but I cannot say the same for God's. 

Yes, I've read the Bible through. Yes, I've completed Bible studies. Yes, I've seeked His face. But when this world passes away, and I face my Creator face to face. Would I even be worthy of a medal? Would I have to trade in my Summa Cum Laude status for a "Thank the Lord-y"? Or would it really be more like a desperate "Please, Lord".

What will my spiritual REPORT CARD look like? Pass or Fail - there are no do-overs.

I don't want to hear my Father say, "Depart - I never knew you."

I began this morning really digging back into the only study that really matters - His Word. I hope you'll join me. I excitedly look forward to that graduation day in the sky - CLASS OF ETERNITY. 

YOU KNOW ME, BUT DO I KNOW YOU? 

* Ask that question to God. Now, imagine God asking you. What would the answers be? 

Until next time...