Memories

Memories are funny creatures.  Sometimes what seems crystal clear in our memory may not be what is real and sometimes what we can't remember becomes crystal clear when we visit it again. 

I just spent the weekend visiting the city and campus of my college alumni.  It is a small Baptist college tucked away in central Louisiana.  I remember walking on campus and just feeling at home.  I spent four years memorizing the buildings and layout and how to get around town.  Nearly thirty years later and although not much has changed on campus the city it is in and the adjoining city have changed considerably.  I found that some of my memories are not as clear as I would have thought and some are just as clear. 

It was a beautiful weekend and I was reminded of many events and people - the very sad thing is that there are really very few people that I remember.  Many names and faces swirl around in a mix of what was and what is.  Remembering events and people takes an intentional effort.  If we don't stop during a moment and truly try to mark it in our minds then life has a way of blurring those moments together. 

Sorrow over lost memories and moments makes me think hard about my lack of intentionality in the past.  There were people and times that I truly wish I could remember and some that I'm kind of glad I can't.  But over time I have learned that if I truly want to remember then I have to stop in the moment and take a mental picture and sometimes even a physical one.  Taking a mental time out to place the moment, people, smells, sounds and activities can build a more lasting memory. 

The same is true with God. We have to spend intentional time memorizing His word and spending time with Him in order to depend on what we know about Him to face each day.

John 14: 26 says "the advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and remind you of all that I have said to you."

Jesus knew that life would blur the memories of His disciples so He sent the Holy Spirit to help the m and us remember all that He taught.  But we have to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us so that He can remind us of all God has done and is.