Memorial Day is a time when I reflect back on the service of my dad during WWII. Dad and John became brothers in boot camp. They always lined up next to each other. It was alphabetical. They looked out for each other. They pulled pranks together. They saved each other’s lives on more than one occasion.

This bond didn’t end when they returned home. They remained brothers to the end. They raised families together. They vacationed together. They joked together, and they kept each other in line.

Family can be by blood or by choice. Family doesn’t always get along. We often hurt each other. We let each other down. We let a little rift become a gorge. As God reminds Joseph, He reminds us what is most important.

‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. (Genesis 50:17 NIV),

As I reflect on Dad and John this Memorial Day and the power of their bond, I’m reminded that it can be fleeting. I need to be willing to reconcile my relationships. I need to be willing to forgive. I need to honor their memory and honor God’s direction. They give a vision of a lifetime relationship. Once brothers, always brothers. Once family, always family.

God, thank you for clear direction toward reconciliation. Thank you for showing us how to put family first. Bring healing to families needing your grace and mercy to come back together and back to you.

This Memorial Day I encourage you to honor your family.  Share your reflections on family here and breathe life and bring hope.