Memories are powerful. They take us back to a time and place that has been wedged into our minds and won’t let go. Some are precious, others painful. But all are a part of the tapestry of our lives, the God-given experiences that define who we are,
Twelve years ago, my husband and I and our two tween-age boys moved to a new house on our farm property because our old farmhouse was becoming unlivable. I had lived there fifteen years, my husband, his entire life.
Last week, I drove to our old place to eat with my husband while he stopped for lunch. (He still farms the property surrounding the house). While I was waiting for him, I took a stroll through the yard, pausing in various places. I’d done the same thing numerous times since our move, but this time was different.
SHARED MEMORIES
Our oldest son is getting married in little over a week, so maybe it’s the nostalgic mood I’m in, but as I strolled around the yard, there wasn’t a spot that didn’t draw a memory of some sort. From building snowmen and tunnels to batting practice and broken shed windows. Raising wild turkeys and watching them clean crickets out of empty grain bins. Building castles in the sandbox. Carving jack-o-lanterns. Reading with my boys on the porch swing.
Every square foot of that yard took me back, bringing smiles and laughter. Like a breached dam, the memories flooded my heart and mind. Memories our family alone can share in.
SCRIPTURE MEMORIES
These past seven months, as I’ve been dealing with a cancer diagnosis, a friend of mine has sent me a card with a Scripture verse every week. I now have over twenty. Isn’t that amazing? Thank you, Hope!
I read through them all every morning, putting some to memory. But, there is one verse in particular that, each time I read it, draws a memory.
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him,
for he shields him all day long,
and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.”
Each time I read that verse, I get an image in my head of when my husband and I used to carry our sons in a backpack while we hiked a trail. Inevitably, they would fall asleep and we would have to peel the carrier off and let them finish out their nap.
What a beautiful picture of God and how He carries us between His shoulders. With Him, we are safe, secure, able to rest peacefully as a child rests with his parents. No fear, only rest and peace.
Now isn’t that something wonderful to strive for and take comfort in? When all the world is filled with unrest and struggle, when our health fails, when hardships come, we can find rest between our Heavenly Daddy’s shoulders.
Where do you find rest and peace from your struggles?
INSPIRATIONAL NOVELS
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie
Inspirational Historical Romance
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
Thats lovely Cynthia, memories are powerful, its nice to remember the good ones and find peace in them, blessings.
Yes! So true, Ann. Thank you!
We’re still praying for you, Cynthia. Thanks for telling us how you’ve been inspired and encouraged. My go-to has been God’s Word for a very long time. It took a few valleys in my life to teach me where to find comfort. He’s always there for you. God bless you, my friend.
Thank you so much, Sharon! Yes. God’s Word is such a comfort and blessing. Thanks for sharing and for your continued prayers!!
That is a beautiful Scripture! I love how you explained it. How cool is that! I am glad God has me on His Backpack! I am praying for you.
Music is what really touches me. I have sung in church choirs for many years.
I recently recorded (with the capable help of a young man from church) a song that will be part of my oldest brother’s memorial this Saturday. I am not able to go in person to Florida. My husband has Dementia and it is not good for me to leave him. I will send you the recording. I believe you will be comforted when you hear it.
That is so sweet of you, Linda! I appreciate that. Yes. Music is a powerful means of speaking to our hearts. Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s illness and your brother passing. What a neat way to be involved in his memorial. God bless you!
Beautiful post, Cynthia!! Thank you sharing and encouraging my heart with your inspiring words!
Thanks so much, Liana! So happy you stopped by. Glad you were blessed! =)
Great post Cynthia! I especially love the part on memories being wedged into our minds and not wanting to let go. This may seem odd, but I’ve often been grateful that even the bad ones linger, for they are signposts of our path in God. Although usually arriving to that type of gratitude takes some time. But as you say, it’s all a part of God’s tapestry.
Thanks so much! I appreciate your kind words. And, you are so right about the memories bad and good.