Memories
By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president
Many years ago Barbra Streisand sang a song called “The Way We Were.” Some of the lyrics are as follows:
Mem'ries,
Light the corners of my mind
Misty water--colored memories
Of the way we were
Scattered pictures,
Of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another
For the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then?
Or has time rewritten every line?
If we had a chance to do it all again
Tell me, would we, could we?
What's too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So it's the laughter
We will remember
Whenever we remember
The way we were...
Some of you may be humming that tune right now in your head. Others may not remember the song at all.
This summer I had this song of my childhood running through my head. You see, my wife and I were back at her parents’ home finalizing the estate. It was one of those trips that you dread.
However, as we went through the home room by room we were flooded with memories.
Memories of beloved parents giving worship to all the grandchildren gathered around listening to mission stories being told, singing songs or praise and worship. Memories of experiments in the kitchen that went well and some that didn’t go so well at all. Memories of all the cousins lined up on the floor giggling and while parents were trying to get them to sleep. Christmas, birthday and anniversary celebrations as everyone crowded around in the small home.
Yes, there were other memories as well. Memories as illness and age crept in and slowed things down. Memories as the grip of this world not yet free of pain tightened and tears are shed and life in this world comes to a close.
Throughout all of those memories, however, was the memory and assurance that those who once inhabited that home and brightened the lives of those who came there also were walking with God and were right with God.
They had the assurance of I John 5:11,12 –
And this is the testimony that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
That is the best memory of all.
As you go through this week and this life, make memories together.
Spend time with family. Have those family celebrations. Spend time doing the big things and the small things. Those are all great memories.
But the greatest memory that you can give your family is for them to walk through this life know that you are walking with God and have the Jesus in your life.