Daily Water

By Mary Stout

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13, NIV)

I remember as a kid we used to buy red poppies on this day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Even as a kid,  I’d say a silent prayer for them. I’d think about how in giving their lives, they made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. I would read John McCrae’s poem, “In Flander’s Field.” 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

It is said Mr McCrae wrote this poem after the death of his friend. He noticed the poppies as they grew amongst the gravestones and wrote. He might have written it out of grief. He might have recognized God’s providence in creating new life amongst the gravestones of the many fallen soldiers.

As you celebrate the beginning of summer, as you enjoy a long weekend, let’s remember those who wore that badge of courage as they bravely sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom. Jesus said there was no greater love. It’s our job to be love. Everyday.

Buy a red poppy.

Prayer: Thank you for the red poppy that grows and signifies life in the midst of death. May we remember the sacrifice they made as we celebrate. Lord we know you sacrificed for us so we could live. Help us to honor you in all we do. In his holy name we pray, Amen