Monumental

A monument: A lasting evidence, reminder, or example of someone or something notable or great. A would add on to Merriam-Webster defining it as a tribute and an honor to someone or something or an idea even, such as liberty. We've honored kings and rulers, presidents and heros, soldiers, martyrs, battles, events. The list goes on and dwindles towards mundane and idolatry at times, other times innocent commemoration and gratitude. Where our glory goes and the effects of these memorials is certainly not my thesis. I've always liked monuments and always will.

We humans can at times be an ungrateful, forgetful, and arrogant people. We may need to dedicate a portion of the emotions we have to something that will always be. We may need to go out of our way to show thanks for an everyday blessing. We may need to give credit where credit is due.

One of many instances in the book of Joshua 4:1-7 is recorded to demonstrate the commemoration of a great deed:

"So Joshua called together the twelve men and told them, "Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the Lord your God. Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder--twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes. We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future, your children will ask, 'What do these stones mean to you?' Then you can tell them, 'They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord's covenant went across.' These stones will stand as a permanent memorial among the people of Israel."

The toil of these men, in their thanks, would be remembered and passed down from generation to generation all in honor of this miraculous act. And it does not have to be as extravagant as all that. David would often commemorate a work of God with a song such as in Psalms 28:7:

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."

How much could you honor God with something simple? God is pleased with all you do in worship. Draw him a picture, write him a poem, make him something. He's a real God! Make or do something to show others what he has done for you. Monuments tell a story. Be creative, but do something to remind yourself or show others the amazing miracles God does for you in your life everyday. If he's released you from some sort of bondage, do something for him! If he's given you guidance in a dark situation, tell the world!

When God does something Monumental in your life, remember it.