To the Journal editor:

Memorial Day is a statement regarding our relationship with Our Heavenly Father.

Originating following the Civil War as Decoration Day, the observance was dedicated to mourning and honoring our military personnel who died in line of duty.

Shortly after World War II, it became a more inclusive Memorial Day. Why the inclusion? Our relationship with Our Father casts some light.

The moment we think or utter “Our Father,” we are re-centering our lives — feelings, emotions, values, choices, what have you — with The Center, Our Father. In so doing, we are choosing to go to the depths of our lives rather than settling for the worn, empty and superficial.

You see, there is a hunger in us for our center to be in touch with The Center (God), an outflow of the Kingdom of Heaven within us. (Note: That hunger for being in touch with The Center, ultimately is what is behind every war we have ever fought).

The Center lovingly re-connects our center with every other center, and thus begins a hunger for a union we do not fully comprehend. We hunger for The Center (God) even though we may not be aware of it. Our acceptance or rejection of all that is at this “mega-center” is the “stuff” of which history is made.

We hunger for depth and simplicity in love, relationships and all else, but only centering on Our Father in all things fulfills those hungers beyond measure. The world claims to do so, only Our Father delivers. And our memories both mourn and pay tribute.

We are one in Our Father. Blessings to you.