Follow the Editor on Twitter @LifeWorkEditor

HOW do you view November?

In some years (but not this one), it marks the start of Advent – the journey towards the birth of Christ. It is also the month of Remembrance – remembering the lives of those who have fought and died in combat for our freedom.

In remembering those whose lives have gone before us, it is worth recalling their sacrifice.

In both world wars, these were not old, battle-hardened men, but were young – the future of the country, with their lives ahead of them. In a single moment their lives were ended and the lives of those they left behind changed forever. In more recent conflicts, they have been young men (and more recently, women) in the prime of their lives, who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Whilst their memory should live on, this moment in the Church (and wider community) calendar, should also give pause for thought for all today.

As technology has improved, our lives have become busier and busier. Expectations are greater. Younger generations today fear they do not have time to volunteer or be part of any membership based organisation as it might require a commitment – financial or otherwise – that they fear they may not be able to give. Yet in an instant, lives can be changed forever through unexpected illness, accident or death, very often followed by eternal regret about unfulfilled promises or dreams.

A deeper and perhaps more contemporary message from Remembrance is that life is a gift from God – and that our precious earthly existence is something to be nurtured and cherished, even in those deepest darkest moments. For whilst death brings the promise of new life, it means enforced change on those left behind to deal with the shattering prospect of life without a cherished relative, partner or child.

“What this month should remind us of – above all else – is that life is a precious gift, to be enjoyed rather than endured and that the grace of God is with us every day as he walks beside us.

What this month should remind us of – above all else – is that life is a precious gift, to be enjoyed rather than endured and to remember that the grace of God is with us every day.

During this month the memory of those who have gone before and sacrificed so much on the battlefield should teach us to look for the small things and appreciate and revel in their presence: a glorious sunrise, the sharpness of the icy morning air, the sight of snow-covered mountains or the view of a robin feeding in the garden – all small parts of everyday life but timely reminders of the one we love and serve.

Lynne McNeil Editor