Memories In Remembering
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“I remember what happened long ago; I consider everything you have done. I think about all you have made.” Psalm 143:5
She received a beautiful bouquet of purple and white roses from her friend. They were beautiful, and then with tears she said, “But they died.” The flowers were gone physically, but the memory of them and the thoughtfulness of her friend brought a smile of remembrance. She had taken a picture of them to always remember. As we talked about the flowers, her memory became alive and vivid in the present moment. The memory of remembering brought life and joy even though the flowers had wilted and died.
God has given us the ability to remember. We can reminiscence about events and experiences of our past. We recollect a person from our past. Our memory can be triggered by smells, pictures, food, objects, or just life. Memories are filled with good, but they can also be painful and traumatic. We try to let go of the bad and the hurt and focus on the good.
This past week, I was in a time of remembering my mom. She has been in Heaven for twenty years. Some days, it feels just like yesterday, and other days it feels like forever since I talked with my mom. I miss her everyday and wish I could talk with her. As I remember, the memories become more real and fill my thoughts with hundreds of little pictures of events throughout my life with my mom. When I am with my siblings, my mom feels even more present with the stories we share and knowing we all experienced life together with her.
The more we remember, the more we remember. For instance, the more we talk about our childhood house, the more we remember about it. We begin walking through each room in the house and describing it. It is amazing the details you can see in your mind when you begin to share it out loud. When you talk with a friend, that person begins telling their story which then helps you to remember more about your own story.
I attended the planning meeting for my high school reunion that will take place next year. Oh, the memories of high school. I have the privilege of creating a time to remember those of our class we have lost. I have had to go back to my high school year book to remember their faces since I had not seen them in years. Photos brought events to mind, and I have sat for a time reflecting and remembering. Some events and people I remember and can share stories, and others I have no memory. It is amazing what stays as an important memory.
I officiated at my cousin’s funeral who died way too young. As I prepared for the service, my mind was filled with memories of her as a child – her beautiful blonde hair, her smile, and playing together at family gatherings. My siblings, nieces, and cousins joined together to say good-bye to my cousin. As we talked at the luncheon afterward and looked at pictures, memories became words that formed stories of our past and triggered remembrances of others in the family who are now in Heaven. In the sadness of loss, came also the joy of her life and stories that brought smiles. The past became present and my cousin was with us in our hearts in the memories.
Grief is part of our memories as we release a loved one to Heaven. As more people I love go to Heaven, I begin remembering those who have gone before them and those they will see in Heaven. My cousin’s ashes will be buried on top of the grave of her dear Grandma – my aunt. My mind is filled with memories of my Aunt Esta and her sister, my mom. My heart is filled with a sweet joy as I remember times shared and those times come alive within my soul. They now dwell in Heaven, but their memories are alive as I remember.
Give yourself permission to linger in memories. Quiet your soul and put away your list of chores and spend some sweet time in the memories. It is not living in the past, but bringing the past into view. It is remembering the moments and the details that have built your foundation of life. It is not forgetting but experiencing again and again the people you have loved. To look into their faces in your mind and feel the love in your heart. It is allowing a smile to touch your lips even in the sadness of loss.
Linger in the memories of remembering. Give thanks to God for those who are in Heaven. Remember their love and impact upon your life. Keep sharing their love and life. It keeps their spirit alive in this world.
Elaine J, Sturtz
