Our country will celebrate Memorial Day this weekend. This day is becoming more significant to me…

Tim just finished his third year at West Point. He’ll graduate and commission as a 2LT next May, then serve five years as an active duty officer. In August, Zach will report to Virginia Tech to begin his journey in the Corps of Cadets on a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship, followed by 4 years as an active duty officer.

Foremost, I want them to be soldiers in God’s army but it appears that at least two of our sons will also serve in America’s Army.

So, I pay more attention to Memorial Day and the fact that we are to remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our political freedom. You may see a special table setting at a restaurant or event this weekend. (I saw one at Chick-Fil-A in Suffolk on Tuesday morning.)

It’s called The Missing Man Table. There’s much meaningful symbolism here AND a great teaching opportunity for families.

You may also want to use this weekend to remember and remind your family that Jesus paid the price for our spiritual freedom. The missing man table features an empty chair. But make sure you point out that both the cross and the tomb are empty because Jesus conquered sin and death for us!

We have much to remember and be thankful for on Memorial Day!

For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:19-21

Download and print The Missing Man Table symbolism here.