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New Memories…..

When memories are just not enough, it is time to make new memories.

Do you have the urge to change the colors in your room or house, move furniture, making living all new? So, it is with memories, as sweet as they are, we want a new beginning and a new memory. Although I am comfortable with the memories with the old, yet the opportunity is here – now – for a change.

On the 21st of September our belongs will begin the trek across two states to our new home with the help of our blessed children. Yes, our thoughts will often turn to remember with joy our church family. We will remember our home on South 12th with the colorful garage door. We will remember our friends and hold these ‘rememberings’ close to our hearts – memories of 38 years.

My dear husband, learning the limits of dementia-living, acquiesced to moving closer to one of our four children. After almost (lacking 4 months) sixty one years of marriage, we are settling into a new phase of marriage and being together.

In our seven prior moves, early in our marriage, I viewed moving as an adventure and a set of new friends. This move, being made in our 80’s, will be slower-paced. Yet there is the childhood excitement of playing a game of hide and seek present. That tingling of expectation of what will be.

God places us where He wants us to be, and that excitement of anticipation is: “How will God use us in a new setting? What will He have us do?”

I know that my spiritual antenna is fully stretched as I wait to see what He wants me to do as I care for my husband.

While contemplating this thought I remembered the Jabez prayer and suddenly the word ‘multiply’ has new meaning for me as I wait on the Lord to reveal His will. Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” I Chronicles 4:10

I know that I can’t base my relationship with Christ Jesus in a scrapbook of memories from the past. No, that relationship with Jesus will continue in this

new life and blossom into eternal life. Again I draw from a precious memory with Mother. We sat one summer evening on the back stoop in Oklahoma watching the sunset. As the dusk deepened, the Evening Star appeared, the star Mother claimed as her own. As a young girl she confided dreams and troubles in the Evening Star, her confidante. Thinking of Mother as a little girl telling secrets to a star is one of my favorite memories. And her faith in Jesus Christ was her compass, guiding her through her 91 years of life.

Our older memories enrich and enhance our new memories of faith, joy and trust. I love the lyrics of the old hymn – “I don’t know about tomorrow, but I know who holds my hand.”

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverb 3:5-6

Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Psalm 86:11

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:6-8

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