We were on the playground as part of our Fall Break celebrations when another 5-year-old merged into playing with our girls. I stepped back to let them play, but inevitably was called to “Watch this!” on the monkey bars. When I came over, the other 5-year-old looked hard at me and paused for a minute, then asked, “Do you have a baby in your belly?”
I explained that yes I did and asked her if she thought it was a boy or a girl. She looked at MH and LC and declared confidently that it was another girl. I told her that it was actually going to be a boy. LC took over from there to explain that the baby was going to be sleeping in her room and that she was pretty sure that the baby wasn’t ever coming out.
I chuckled and wondered about the memories that our girls were making in the waiting and anticipating their brother’s arrival. More than likely, they won’t remember much of this waiting period because soon their memories will be crowded with a new sibling and this side of their family will be new and different.
As we approach All Saints Day and the practice of actively remembering those who have passed on this year, I can’t help but wonder if this active remembering isn’t something that we should incorporate into our daily and weekly lives.
Active remembering is different than reminiscing in which there is a wistfulness to return to the time before. Instead, active remembering is what God has asked God’s people to do throughout the biblical narrative.
But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth and the water subsided. Genesis 8:1
Then God remembered Rachel and gave heed to her and opened her womb. Genesis 30:22
Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Exodus 20:8
He will remember his covenant forever. Psalm 111:5
And he took the bread, gave thanks, and broke and gave it to them saying, “This is my body given for you; this do in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19
Active remembering is a holy endeavor. It reminds us of where we have come from. It reminds us of the journey in which God has spoken to us. It reminds us of the people who have influenced and invested in our lives.
As we celebrate All Saints Day this weekend, this do in remembrance of God’s love for us.