It happens once a year, so you can pardon me if I forget from one year to the next. It’s time to be wearing a poppy.

That’s right, Remembrance Day is just a few days away and already I’ve lost a poppy and been stuck in the chest by the pin.

The crazy thing is this is going to happen on average about three more times and this has been the pattern, well, since I can remember.

I am shocked that someone hasn’t come up with a better system of keeping those poppies on a person.

I’ve even considered using a bulletin board tack. I think I could handle the pain, but to do that every day for a week or two is a little much to ask anyone to go through, let alone veterans who have already bled for our country one way or another.

Occasionally I run into people who have a system when it comes to wearing poppies. Some people get those Canadian flag pins, stick them through the middle of their poppies and then attach the backings to them.

I’ve also heard that’s not the proper way to wear them … I’m unaware of the reasoning; I just hope it’s not because it prevents you from the literal pain of wearing them.

Come to think of it, maybe there is genius behind the design of the pin. Most Canadians haven’t fought for our country and this is a small way we can experience a little pain and somehow empathize with our veterans more.

But still, I want to make sure that it stays on my shirt or coat.

This morning I put one on just before I walked out the door. I walked through our garage, got in my car, and drove to work. When I got there I walked about fifteen yards to the front door of the church.

I’d already lost it.

Maybe they should attach a tiny bell so you know when it’s falling off your clothing. With our technology, maybe they could add a tiny speaker that simulates the air raid sirens of the 50’s and early 60’s – that would get our attention!

We wear these poppies to remind us of the sacrifice that has been made for us by our soldiers, past and present.

Maybe the problem lies with us.

We should be looking down at our chest enough to be constantly reminded of our soldiers. Not knowing the poppy has fallen off you is a sign that you were not conscious of what you are to be remembering.

This week I will probably purchase four or five poppies … just to make sure I’m stocked up in case I sneeze and it lands across the room (I swear they have wings).

I’m also going to try something else. I’m going to wrap a piece of clear tape around the end of the pin.

I think it’s going to work … my poppy has stayed put for the last ten minutes.

Here’s the thing: The poppy reminds us of the sacrifice our soldiers have made to provide us with our freedom in Canada. Christ, however, made the ultimate sacrifice, dying to pay for the sins of the world, and closer to home, your sin and mine. That’s something worthy of being reminded of every day. What will be your daily reminder of Christ’s gifts of forgiveness and a never-ending relationship?

That’s Life!

Paul

Question: What have you chosen as your daily reminder of Christ? Leave your comments below.