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Blessings or Burdens?
I have a wonderful memory of a handsome young man who won my heart with his quick wit, intense nature, and love shining out at me from his gray-green eyes. I recall in my mind’s eye the two of us walking down the aisle of a little country church and into our life together.
Another memory stands out, perhaps I should say two of them, as I see a beautiful baby son, and a couple of years later, a precious tiny daughter. Those first moments with them entrusted into my arms are still like bright stars in my vision.
Later on, there were little grandchildren received into those same arms with fresh wonder and delight.
I remember picnics, merry-go-rounds, birthday parties, fun, laughter and love. I also treasure thoughts of a happy church, good friends, family gatherings, and good food.
God has given us so many wonderful memories to help us recall His goodness and faithfulness. These should be stored up, yet also passed on, sharing the good things that encourage and inspire our children, as well as others who cross our paths.
But wait! I have another memory, farther back from those mentioned above. It pictures a young mother, my own, in fact. She struggled and lost her battle with cancer at age forty-four, leaving behind four children, ranging in age from eleven to twenty-one. This scene, with all its surrounding sad days, is etched into my mind and emotions for a lifetime.
There are other recollections scattered through my life that bring pain even now. There were struggles in marriage, teenage rebellions, loss of dear loved ones, financial straits, broken relationships, and the list could go on and on.
Worst of all are the memories of my own failures. I think of harsh words that can never be recalled, of other things I should have said and didn’t, and so lost an opportunity forever. The regret of hurts inflicted to others still rises to the surface in a sea of reflective thought.
So what does one do with these sad pictures of the past that linger and threaten to undo us, even after many years? I found, to my delight, the answer in the attitude of Joseph in the Old Testament, as he and his brothers actually shared a memory. They had thrown him into a pit, then sold him into slavery, out of hatred and jealousy. Looking back, they saw this horrible incident with great remorse and guilt, but Joseph had a different viewpoint. Many years later, put into a position to provide for his family and their countrymen during famine, he summed up his outlook, which also happened to be the divine perspective. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (NIV)
Someone has said that nothing is wasted in the economy of God. That means that He uses it all – good and bad. Though there are some consequences along the way, since I am His beloved child, He is always at work to bring good, even from evil. Thus, all the “bad” memories are swallowed up by His gracious working, and become as blessed as the “good” ones. In one we see His goodness and in the other, His grace. Both are worthy of remembrance. In neither case, though should I live too much on “ Memory Lane.” All my memories must be made to strengthen me in the present, and give me great expectation for the future!
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