“… I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10b, NRSV)

I have a small, brass disc with a phrase in Latin on my key chain. It rests between my car fob and my office key. To be honest, I do not see it much or think about it much. But the fact that it is there is important to me. Because when it does draw my eye in, it always seems to be the perfect time when I need its simple wisdom. The Latin is: “memento vivere.” When translated, it means: “Remember to live.” I found it in a shop while on vacation in Maine last summer. It is intended to be worn around your neck, but that’s not my style, so when I returned home, I placed it on my key chain.

I do not know about you, but it feels like life is moving in slow motion. In some ways, I cannot believe that the year is halfway over, yet it feels like 2020 may last forever! I am eager for a vaccination and an economic recovery, followed by a clearer understanding of racial unity and diversity in our nation. I also think it is easy to get trapped in a mindset and pattern of behavior that keeps us trapped in a pattern of simply waiting for life to begin again once a vaccine is discovered. Even though that may be as long as 18 months away. Despite the economy, none of us can afford to just stop living for that long.

So as the hot summer ensues and COVID-19 cases increase, I keep trying to remember my Latin: “memento vivere – remember to live.” It may not be the plans I had for the summer of 2020, but I believe that I can still truly live. May it be so for you too!

Rev. Dr. Dawson B. Taylor
Senior Minister

For children fighting COVID-19:
Loving God, help me to remember to live, even if I am scared.