Apr. 27, 2007 - Do This In Remembrance...
I played at a mess dinner this week, but I’m not going to write about the music this time. Something else impressed me at this dinner.
At this dinner a tradition was followed that I had not seen before. At the end of the room a small round table was set with a single place setting. This is the table of remembrance. The table is set for one to remind those at the dinner of their comrades who have fallen. A white tablecloth represents the purity of the soldiers as they left to serve their country. Placed on the table is a red rose to remind us of the love of the families these soldiers left behind . The glass is upside down and the chair is empty to symbolize that these fallen soldiers can not toast with us this season. There is a slice of lemon on the plate as a reminder of the bitter sacrifice they have made; salt is poured onto the plate to signify the tears their loved ones have shed. It was a fitting memorial to those who have given all, by those who work along side toward the same end. It was a reminder to all present that “it could have been me.” It was a reminder of the depth of the importance of what each member of our military does – both at home and overseas
But this table also reminded me of another table of remembrance. A table set each month in churches around the world to remember another sacrifice. This, too, was a bitter sacrifice over which the tears of loved ones were shed. But it was not bitter because for this sacrifice death was not the end, but only the beginning. The One whose sacrifice we remember each month rose again. While the soldier’s sacrifice brought peace and safety to others, Jesus’ sacrifice brings peace, hope and eternal safety in His arms to all who will accept it.
Those who read my blog will know that I in no way want to diminish the sacrifice of the soldier, or the importance of the job our armed forces carries out. However, it is only for temporal safety that they serve. Their service and sacrifice is optimized when it is coupled with the message of the One who sacrificed His all for our eternity. We must never forget Christ’s immeasurable sacrifice that promises peace and eternal life.
Lest we forget...do this in remembrance of Me.
Comments
May. 3, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Jacqueline
Thanks for sharing this. I've never heard of it but it is a wonderful reminder and I can definitely see how it would remind you of the other table of remembrance
