So many times, I attempt to remember something by repeating it over and over in my head, only to forget it when I could finally write it down or take care of it. I know I am not the only one who can’t recall what popped into my mind during my shower…if only someone would invent a waterproof, list maker–we all know the best thinking happens when we are in the shower with no way to record our thoughts! Our minds are so full of the to-do items, the don’t forgets, and the “oh yeah” things, we have a hard time holding on to what we need to remember…want to remember. But on occasion, we set aside all those other things and carve out the time to truly remember what matters.
I have had the privilege, the last six days, to bask in the presence of my immediate family, my husband and four quasi-adult children. (I have said I will call them adult when they reach 25 years of age. Only one is there so far). I have been trying to recall the last opportunity we had to spend this much exclusive time together. With their help, I believe we have narrowed it down and agree it was almost 8 years ago. We have had our short weekends and holidays, but as they have been departing the nest, long stretches of time have just not been possible. I am trying desperately to grasp every shared moment, capture every picture perfect second, and every heartfelt and hoped dream coming true that this time provides me. Frankly, I don’t know how I am doing. One thing this experience is awarding me, however, is a chance to remember.
As we spend these moments together, my mind’s eye recalls pictures I have captured from days past. Slowly, the recesses of my deep memories open. My heart floods with joy as times long ago are brought back to life through prompts provided by giggles or song outbursts. Each one drawing me to extract the next from the dark, almost forgotten caverns of times gone by. How had I forgotten this? And that? It is so amazing to revel in the joy of forgotten moments. I am taking note of how important it is to make time to remember.
Frequently in scripture, God tells His children to remember. He wants us to take note of all He has done, all He has promised, and all He has shared about himself. God knows it is important for us to remember. We are a forgetful brood. Over and over again, He must tell us, “Remember!” I need sticky notes all over my life, calling my attention to take note…don’t forget this. I don’t think I will forget, but I do. Then, on occasion, He opens up opportunities for me to reflect. Oh, there is such beauty in the remembering.
My family has spent time this week basking in this beauty. So many things resurfaced as we laugh and share this time together. Remembering games we played as we traveled the country by car. Family pizza and movie nights we enjoyed on a weekly basis all snuggled on one sofa. The good and not so good times of bedrooms shared while they were growing up. Summer reading contests to see who could read the most pages. Video games where we needed to help each other conquer the next level to move on. Gingerbread house decorating days they loved to share with friends. Rocket park, family bike rides, Veggie Tales–“oh, where is my hairbrush,” homeschooling field trips to learn to make pizza and the U.S. Mint to learn about coins, thermometer checking to see if the pool was finally ready to use, all burst forth. Hidden treasures, not forgotten, but buried, surfacing again.
So much joy, so much beauty to capture and behold. Try to take a moment today and ask what your family remembers. What is it that brings smiles to their faces from days past? Help each other to recall the memories of silly antics, games played, adventures taken, and times shared together. It will do your heart good! It is doing wonders for mine.
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