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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: PHOTOS and/or SOUVENIR(S) (vacation) (07/16/15)
Opening the lid, we peered into the small wooden box. Inside it was brimming with hat badges – at least one hundred. Tiny testimonial treasures, reminders of our family traveling adventures. Eyes shining, my son brought them out one by one, naming each place, reliving each adventure: whaling watching at Albany in Western Australia, crocodile spotting at Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, admiring the Opera House at Sydney Harbor, searching for treasures on the gold fields in Victoria, the list went on and so did his excitement.

There are other souvenirs too. Some collect photos, stickers, caps, cloth badges, teaspoons, tea towels, even teacups. Traveling is not quite complete until we take home tangible trinkets to keep the journey alive and fresh long after the bags are unpacked and stored away.

Yet throughout all our family travels, I have gathered other souvenirs more precious, more lasting, and more satisfying: the souvenirs of memories. Memories made together, with laughter, with love, in good times or otherwise. Photos will fade, trinkets will be lost, but memories, gracious gifts from God, are a lasting legacy that will be retold over and over together, for a lifetime.

Memories are portable, pleasurable souvenirs that recapture our feelings, our behavior, indeed moments of our lives together in a snapshot of time passed. Memories are a constant reminder that our lives are intertwined and written in one another's hearts. Memories made with others, come flooding back in a brief moment of time - stirred by a sound, a fragrant smell, a vista before our eyes, fabric between our fingers. Senses are the tangible stimulus that can bring back recollections from our past. Memories: the most powerful souvenir of all.

Memories reclaimed and retold are a reminder that our lives are woven together. And that the threads of our lives are woven together by God. God invites us to remember our commitment to each other and also to Him: our commitment to the One who gives us all things to enjoy, whose hand is working to always establish good in our lives.

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Eventually my son’s travel badges were mounted on a hand sewn map of Australia, taking prize position in his room. However, eventually they will lose their lustre, be packed away and forgotten. Yet my souvenirs – memories of travels together - will live on. These are the stories graciously given by God as an abiding reminder of our connection to each other and our connection to Him.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
07/25/15
This was a beautifully written entry filled with such an important and poignant message.

Well done.

God bless~
Pat Small
07/28/15
Many times in the Bible we are told to remember. This was an interesting piece.
C D Swanson 
07/31/15
Jennifer, Congratulations!
God bless~