Treasured Memories

Good memories are of great value.

There are certain holidays as a child that I love to recall. I was quite a good athlete in my teenage years and still remember the feeling of winning at 100 and 200 metres. I remember fun times with friends. And special moments when Sam and I were getting to know each other and falling in love. Our wedding day is a bit of a blur to be honest, but I do remember it being a happy happy day. And then there’s the memory of seeing the birth of each of our children. I could go on and mention special days like birthdays and Christmases. And then there’s the sharing in the joy of others – in their weddings and special times.

At The Belfrey I especially cherish the memory of baptism services as we hear stories of changed lives and as people promise to follow Christ to their dying day. I love it! And I’m pleased to respond in celebratory praise to our great God of transformation.

This Sunday at The Belfrey we’re saying a fond farewell to Roger Simpson, who’s served faithfully and tirelessly for fourteen years. We’ll miss him immensely as he goes full-time working for Archbishop Sentamu. I suspect it won’t be an easy day for Roger, but I trust it will be a good one as we give him a great send-off. I hope it will be a day of many happy memories.

Good memories are meant to be treasured. That’s what Mary did with hers as she took stock after the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:19), and again when Jesus was an older child (Luke 2:51). We’re told that she ‘treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart’. What a beautiful way of expressing it! She treasured the memories and pondered them – considering them and thinking them over, time and time again. That’s what we should do with good memories. Treasure them and be thankful. Deep in our hearts.

Do you do that? Do you allow your heart to consider good memories? Do you talk about them with loved ones and friends? And are you continuing to fill your heart with such memories on a regular basis?

Why not find some time in the next 24 hours to pause and ponder, like Mary, and consider some good memories. You might want to recall recent things that you can add to the storehouse in your heart. Allow thanksgiving to stir within you. And then intentionally give all that thanksgiving to Almighty God. For he is giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).