Memories

Memories can be a tricky thing. Sometimes we remember things that we wish we could forget. Sometimes two people are remembering the same event and yet it seems like they were in two different places at two different times. I remember our huge childhood yard we had at our house that wore me out running from one end to the other. It doesn’t look so big anymore. Ok, so memories are not perfect, but they are important. God has blessed us with memories of family and friends. Often, these memories can comfort us after they have passed. God tells us that we are not to contact the dead. To go to the cemetery to be close to where the body is, can be therapeutic, but we must understand that they are no longer there. God gives us memories to appreciate the life they had. We can treasure those, but it is ok to move forward too... making other memories with family and friends. It is good to treasure family and personal memories, but something that needs to be planted deep in our memories is the word of God. We must be careful that we remember it well. If you are able to memorize, which I think most people are able, we need to start putting God’s word in there. Maybe we focus on one verse for a week. Put it on the bathroom mirror and read it every morning and evening so it becomes part of us. With age it may get harder, but we still need to be trying. Also, we need to be careful what else we are putting into our memory. When someone sees something particularly gross, they often say that they can’t un-see it. There is truth to that and so we must be careful what not to put in. Be careful of the movies, books, social media, and the internet for starters. There is a lot we should avoid there. Also, the places we go and the language and topics covered can be dangerous for our hearts and minds too. In the Old Testament, when they were trying to make sure people didn’t forget something they spoke of telling it to your children, writing it on the door and/or fence post, tie it on your finger, or wrap it around your head. In other words, keep it close to you. I know someone who, when they hear a good point or quote at worship or in a Bible study will write it with a dry erase marker on the bathroom mirror to guide them. Father, help us to remember what is good and beneficial while also forgetting what is spiritually unprofitable. Amen