Have you ever noticed that there are an extremely wide variety of holidays that seem to pop up. A while ago, I learned that there is a national “Talk Like a Pirate Day” (September 19th), Pie Day (March 14th) and even Star Wars Day (May 4th.) Well, did you know that there is Elephant Appreciation Day (September 22nd?) Maybe you did know it, but simply forgot (Haha…an elephant joke). But the elephants have not forgotten about it (another elephant joke.) And so, it seems appropriate that we show appreciation for elephants. Ready? Go!

 

Okay, why did I start this article talking about Elephant Appreciation Day? Is it because it’s a September holiday? No, there are tons of others to choose from! I chose it simply so we could talk about memories – or more specifically, remembering. Elephants are said to do that very well. Christians? Well, we do it too!

 

In Ephesians, Paul tells the people of the Ephesian church: “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:15-16.)

 

Here, Paul is simply offering a reminder through his letter that he is remembering them in his prayers. We don’t really need to read into it. You see, Paul can’t always be with the new church starts. Instead, he’s writing to encourage, commend, and at times admonish, as well as sending other missionaries to be with those who are, with him, striving to be faithful followers of Christ’s gospel. In other words, Paul is seeking to give care to the church when he could not be present.

 

And so, I write this article with the same sentiment. In my prayers, I am remembering you and giving thanks for you. While we cannot always be together, it does not stop me from this kind of spirit-connection. And the same can be true for all of us. While we all may not be together 24/7 (in fact, I assure you, we are not,) we can remember and give thanks for one another.

 

Let me close with the words from a wonderful hymn that reminds us of the same: “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”

 

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

 

Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Brian