Remembering…
In 1962, my Mother received this birthday card from her Mom, Anna: My dear daughter, 55 years ago we celebrated. It was a hot day and the telephone was off because it was a holiday. You came early that morning, arriving at 8 am. Daddy stayed at home that day and did not go out to work (farm). That evening when the telephone came on, he called those that should know about your birth. John Litke worked for us that harvest and the wheat harvest was finished the afternoon of the 3rd. John was the one to go get Mrs. Eitzen. Papa got Grandma Suderman and we had two little girls. I’ve always been glad for you both. Thanks for the visit, and you know I did not think of your birthday when you were here. Have a good time and keep well. Love, from Momma.
When I found this birthday card Mom kept until her death in 1998, I remembered that before my Mom was my Mother, she was Grandma’s little girl. Yesterday, I remembered my Mom’s birthday and the memories touched me concerning the continuity of life, even in death. Memories poured through my mind and heart. I remember the lessons of life Mom taught me!
Trust – In Mom’s 80’s she sold her home of 40 years and moved to begin life in a new place. One day she told me that each morning, she asks her Heavenly Father, What would you have for me to do today, Lord?
Beauty – When I asked her why she loved flowers? She replied, When I look at the colors and shape of the flowers, praise God Who designed and created flowers.
Purpose – I asked her why she worked so hard raising flowers. I like growing flowers because it gives me something to give to the sick and old folks when I go see them.
Thankfulness – One day I came walking into the house as Mom gleefully took a finished garment from the sewing machine, thanking God. I asked why she was thanking God. I am thankful that the spool of thread I needed lasted until this piece of clothing was finished.
Resting in God’s Word – As Dad lay in the hospital holding tenuously to life, she went home to sleep, I asked how she could do that. She quoted this scripture to me … In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8
Household chores – Mom gave us our chores to do, and then set the oven timer, to see if we could finish before we heard the oven timer make a sound. She taught me make chores a game.
Joyousness – More than once I saw Mom skip and jump with joy and thankfulness gazing on the bounty of ripened strawberries, tomatoes, and growing things in the garden.
Patience and Wisdom – Mom left the house, as I, an impatient teenager, struggled to learn to sew a red taffeta dress. I learned the word ‘ooch’ as I fitted the sleeve to the garment.
Acceptance – (Making lemonade out of lemons.) When Mom sewed a dress or shirt from a printed feed sack (WWII) and she discovered a flaw – she embroidered flowers or placed a pocket to hide it.
Faithfulness – When Mother was a girl she trudged a quarter of a mile to church alone. Someone needed to be there. She sat with the janitor and then came home.
Love of Music – from the first moment Mom plucked the strings of an old autoharp as a girl, she desired to play the piano and organ. She practiced until she could play for her Dad as he directed the choir. She continued to play for church, funerals, weddings and gave piano lessons until she was in her middle 80’s. She practiced as diligently at 80 as she did as she did when she first learned. I remember her playing the piano as we fell asleep.
One evening, Mom and I sat on the small back porch in Oklahoma watching the sun go down. I asked her if she wanted to go in. She answered, “No, I am waiting for the Evening Star to appear. When I was a little girl, I looked at the sky, and found The Evening Star. I began to tell all my secrets and dreams to the first star that shines each night!”
Remembering is for more than personal memories. God gave us the joy of remembering His Words. He asks us to remember Him often in His Word even as He remembers us in His Great Faithfulness. God placed many reminders all around us to remember Him!
In Genesis 9:14-16 – When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.
Exodus 13:3 – So Moses said to the people, “This is a day to remember forever—the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery. Today the Lord has brought you out by the power of his mighty hand. (Remember, eat no food containing yeast.)
Exodus 20:7-8 – “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 – Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless.
3 John 1:11 – Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.
James 4:17 – Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Colossians 3:13 – Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Colossians 3:24 – Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
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