An Important Date & An Important Reminder
I am typing these words on January 20, 2017. As I type these words, millions of people are waiting for a new president to take the oath of office and begin a new era in our nation’s history. According to some information I have read, the cost of the inauguration will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $200 million.
Flags are flying. Bands have been–and will be–playing. “Important” documents will be signed. Millions will witness the events, either in person or by means of some form of mass media.
While I love all of the fanfare, excitement, and meaning involved in every inauguration, this date is particularly important to me. Its importance is not due to the people involved or the location of the events. It is the date that I have on my mind.
Seventy-seven years ago today something happened that many people in the world did not know or care about. On January 20, 1940, my parents were married.
Instead of millions of witnesses, there were six people present when my parents were married. The preacher who performed the ceremony, his wife, and a couple of my parents’ friends who served as the witnesses were the only people there with my parents.
Instead of a “state of the art” venue for that event all those years ago, the wedding took place in the kitchen of the house in which the preacher and his wife lived. It was cold in Pope County, Illinois on January 20, 1940. Apparently, the warmest place to be was in that kitchen.
There were no flags or banners. Instead, since it was so cold, the preacher’s wife had hung the week’s washing in the kitchen to dry. That meant that my parents and the others were surrounded by clothes lines, clothes pins, drying clothes, etc.
There were no bands. I’m not sure if there was any kind of music, but I’m thinking that it is doubtful.
There was no news coverage. It is probable that some family members and close friends learned about the marriage “after the fact.”
So – what took place all those years ago was no big deal – right?
It was to me! In fact, if that event had never taken place, there would be no me.
As I’m sitting in front of my computer and keeping one eye on the events of this day, I’m thinking that the event that took place seventy-seven years ago may serve as a reminder that ordinary people who do ordinary things are what make life meaningful. It is those people and those things that may have the greatest impact on individuals.
You and I may never “make the news.” Each of us, however, can make a difference.
Presidents may make a difference in the history of a nation. Ordinary people can make a difference for eternity.
May God help us to remember what really is important on this day and every day.
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
