Today is one of those days that easily gets lost.

It can get lost between the hangover of too much candy on Halloween and the rush of commercialism to celebrate Christmas early. It is a day that is forgotten in our culture, yet a day we desperately need in the life of the church.

Today is All Saints’ Day.

November 1 every year is a day that we set aside to remember the communion of saints. We think of the communion of saints in terms of passages like Hebrews 11. In Hebrews 11, we are reminded of the influence of different characters of Scripture and how they have helped to tell the story of God’s love. The Preacher of Hebrews uses a litany of characters to describe their contributions to faith and how they remained faithful, especially in difficult times.

Their narrative leads to one of the most important passages of Scripture in Hebrews 12:1.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

All Saints’ Day reminds us of how we are who we are because of the investment of others in our lives. We stand on the shoulders of others who have inspired us, taught us, encouraged us, and loved us to be the people God has called us to be.

We are who we are because a Sunday School teacher taught us that God loves us.

We are who we are because of a pastor who cared for us in difficult times.

We are who we are because of a friend who was always there.

We are who we are because of our parents who nurtured us.

We are who we are because of the people who have been a part of our lives. So, today is a day to remember and to give thanks to God for their memories and investment in our lives. It is also a day to inspire us to leave a lasting imprint in someone’s life, so they may be the people God has called them to be.