Thought for the Month - Major John Mills (Canada & Bermuda Territory)
MARKERS ON THE WAY
For a number of days in May I spent quite a few hours in Mount Pleasant Cemetery cleaning grave markers. The Salvation Army has two sections in this cemetery where the earthly remains of Army officers have been laid to rest. Annually there is a service held here to commemorate the sinking of the Empress of Ireland, a ship that was carrying most of the executive officers of the Canadian territory and the Canadian Staff Band.
As I look at each marker I am reminded of the service given by so many. I enjoy the opportunity of telling my sons of the connections that are mine to so many of those who rest there. There are past corps officers or divisional leaders. There are those with whom I have served.
There are a couple of very special markers that draw me each time I visit. There is the marker of an officer who led a brigade of cadets to my home corps (church) when my mother was first invited to attend. It was during that series of meetings that my mother surrendered her life to the Lord. This event
pre-dates me and so I tell the story with great pride when I consider
the results.
As I have travelled throughout North America and the United Kingdom
I have become aware of markers placed to remember past significant
events. I am reminded that there have been markers, both tangible and
virtual, that continue to be a memento of my life’s journey.
Throughout the Bible we are made aware of the placement of markers.
In Genesis 28 we read, “… Jacob took the stone he had placed under his
head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. He called that
place Bethel…” In Mark’s gospel, we read of Peter wanting to preserve the
place known for the transfiguration. “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good
for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters…” On the hill called
'Golgotha' there were three crosses placed that would be used for the most extreme punishment. Many scenes have been depicted showing this symbol of salvation.
We all have a life’s journey. We all have markers that have helped to determine who we are and whose we are. We all remember the pleasant and the difficult circumstances that have injected blazing light or created eclipses of that light.
Do you think you have been a marker in someone’s life? In Matthew 5 we read the following:
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
As I walk in the midst of these grave markers I am mindful of what will be said of me when the time comes for me to leave this physical life. I invite you (and challenge myself) to be a marker (significant remembrance) for someone else.
Read Joshua 4:1-7.
Govan Citadel Songsters
