ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

It’s the beginning of a long weekend of welcoming summer. Docks will be put into the lake. Boats restored and buffed up for the coming season. The grill will be lit, and tasty treats will sizzle and send off an amazing aroma. Those who love to go fishing, will load up the tackle box along with fishing rods and assorted bait. Fishing season has already started, but this special weekend things really get going. As we celebrate another holiday, it’s good to look at the reason for doing so.

Memorial Day originated in 1868, after the Civil War. Mourners would place flowers and flags upon the graves of fallen soldiers to honor them. It was originally called Decoration Day. After WW1, the name was changed to Memorial Day. In 1971, it was declared a national holiday. It would seem that it should be a somber occasion but has become another day to set off fireworks and party. May we remember the core reason for this day of remembrance. Giving one’s life to assure freedom is a noble deed. Since the formation of our country 250 years ago, countless lives have been lost in wars. Most of us wish that war wasn’t necessary for us to honor these heroes, but the fact is, war has been waging since the fall of man.

When our final day arrives, we can rest assured that the greatest Hero of all time, Jesus, will be waiting for us with open arms to welcome us home. Life will be restored. Perfection will occur. Tears will no longer fall, all because Jesus sacrificed His own life for the salvation of the entire world. The payment for complete freedom was given to us from God, Himself.

The art in this post was done by Paul Boecher in 2012. It brings to mind the thought of fishing for men. I wrote the poem “Catch of the Day,” to accompany his painting a few years later. In a world that seems to be coming apart at the seams, we need to look back at history and remember the lives that were lost to protect her. God is our refuge in all circumstances. Even death.

The world is so lost and hopeless, our hearts are filled with pain,

We struggle to survive the stress, we pray to be sustained,

Yet in our darkness there is light, A power source so strong,

That brings a lifeline in the night, to shield us from the wrong,

In times like that we long for hope, we pray for answers too,

But try as much as we may try, there’s nothing we can do,

In times like that we lose our faith, but then it’s needed most,

We need someone to pray for us, we call the Holy Ghost,

When He has granted us such peace, our hearts should overspill,

To share the news with all the world and give them hope to still,

To quiet the unrest they feel, to comfort and give rest,

To tell them of the love of God and how He gave His best,

The waters are abundant now, the Word is needed too,

A troubled world cries out for help, so this is what we do,

We pray for God’s direction now, to tell us what to say,

To lead us and protect us when we turn to Him and pray,

Make us disciples of His Word, in common we will strive,

To fish for men and give them hope, on how they can survive.