Monday, January 09, 2006

We Collect Memories

So the holidays have come and gone. Reflecting back on 2005, it just seems like there's too much to say - you've taken too much in - so it's easier just to sit in silence, and feel overwhelmed...but in a good way.

As of right now, I'm not sure what 2006 will bring. As always, a new year seems to whisper the hope of so much potential, and I can already sense myself getting a little lazy - thinking I have all the time in the world.

I'm someone who like to be prepared, and though there's nothing inherently wrong with this, I take it to extreme; and attempt to swallow the rest of my life with each day that passes. But God is so gracious, and lovingly reminds me that each day is a gift - meant to be rejoiced over with song, and each day brings its own precious lessons meant to be learned...and remembered well.

My challenge to you: brand each day of 2006 firmly in your mind, and make individual memories that will set those days apart as you proceed to collect them all. We have only a handful of time compared to the warehouse of eternity. Make it count for Christ.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

i'm so glad to know someone who cherishes memories just as much as i do. last year when i was flying home, a friend offered to drive me to the airport. first, he was late. then, as the airport loomed before us ... HE TURNED LEFT! i didn't say anything for a while thinking he knew some round about way of going to the parking garage ... nope ... he was in "driving to work" mode ... soon the airport was disappearing into the distance. "Um, do you know where you're going?"

it took forever to get back to the airport and i arrived just as my flight was taking off.

poor fellow, he was beating himself up about it. he couldn't understand why i had this silly grin on my face.

"you just gave me a wonderful gift. Thank you for the memory!"

if it hadn't been for him, it probably would have been the same ol' boring trip across the Atlantic.

J. C. Ashby said...

Well said, Christine. :) It's good to hear from you... I was wondering how your Christmas and New Year's went. Did you make any particular outstanding memories?

My favorite was when my brother, Eric, gave to my little sister, Megan, a purity ring. My dad passed away before he had a chance to take Megan out (like he had for me and my other sister, Laurie), and present her with a ring and purity covenant. It was so sweet and endearing, it brought tears to my eyes! He even gave her a beautiful speech about what his gift meant, and how much she meant to him.

Talk about "stepping up" as the "man of the house," eh? :)

Anonymous said...

wow...that's great. good memories are often the root of my seasons of depression. They can work against my soul. I have learned that the only way to keep from reminiscial depression is to go hard after new deep spiritual experiences. Anybody else like that?

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I'm like. I love good memories. But to dwell on them with a wrong motive -- to think on "the good old days" and wonder why things aren't so good anymore, is not wise.

I don't have time now or I'd look up that proverb -- but anyway, that's basically what it says, "Don't look to the former days and say 'Those days were better than these.' "

For the Christian, ultimately, the best is yet to come.

Anonymous said...

We must be careful to rejoice in the present time and with those who surround us. Many times I find myself longing for something better or for the things to come at the expense of neglecting the places and people at this season of my life. It is not surprising when we sometimes realize that the God-given desires of our heart can be fulfilled here and now.

J. C. Ashby said...

Amen, Jose! I think that's the biggest emphasis of my point here... I'm thankful for good memories b/c I am reminded of God's faithfulness and goodness, and of the rich life w/ which He's blessed me. This is important for every believer: to dwell on the wonderful acts of God (Ps. 77).

But like Jose said, it is imperative that we live each moment of our lives for the glory and praise of the Lord - and this means not pining for the past, as much as being faithful w/ what we've been given, and a good steward of His gift of "today."

I AM thankful for all the excellent memories the Lord has granted, and I look forward to making more: I consider them fabulous "perks" of "living day-by-day" for God. :)

Thanks for the comments, peeps! You all ROCK!!!

Lisa said...

Shared memories are significant in intertwining the lives of people and shared experiences. I am so thankful that God has given you, Donna, and I so many incredible memories together and look forward to ones that are yet to come!

Anonymous said...

Ok, I got weepy about the purity ring gift..that is fabulous