A Gift of a Memory

To observe attentively is to remember distinctly. Edgar Allen Poe

There are moments in our lives when special gifts are given just for me and just for you. They happen quickly and we wish we had a better camera because a cell phone pic won’t adequately capture the scene. Maybe we have even said, “I wish [xx] was here to see this with me.” A great deal of time and energy has been spent trying to verbally create what we saw, but words are not enough.

To me, these are memory gifts! These are private moments that God has given me. I treasure these events and in my old age, I can still put them together to tell a story that gives you (the reader) more insight into who I am. We all have a story to tell!

My dog, Mr. Grumbles, and I had an experience like that today. He was groomed yesterday and his fur is very short right now. He is not enjoying his time outside and I can’t blame him. When he came in, I scooped him up in a blue, cushy blanket and sat with him. I had about 20 minutes before Bible study and we just sat together while I loved on him. I looked into his old, loyal, milky eyes and thought back to some of our adventures in FL, our trip to PA and some of the things we’ve done together. There are no pictures to look at, no videos – just memories. What a joy!

These memories are a treasured gift. Truly, I have other inspiring remembrances – more than my dog, but that is most current. In years gone by, I hurried past personal memorable times. I guess I was in a hurry to live life and get on to the next thing. Sometimes I wonder what I missed. 

Our loving Father blesses us with things like this every day. Are we too busy to see the blessings for what they are? Kids grow up in the blink of an eye. Spouses are called to their heavenly home. Departed parents leave us to become earthly orphans. Remember the time when…

Is it time to slow down and take a breather? You might be amazed with what you recall. Just know that not all memories are going to provide warm fuzzy feelings, but I have found that asking God to remove any pain associated with certain memories has helped. Today I have made friends with my memories and I am grateful.

What If with Matthew West