I wonder what you would list as the most pivotal moments in your life. I’m sure there are moments you will never forget, be they good or bad, that shaped you. Those moments are part of who you are today and your memory of those moments likely impacts how you function and react as an adult. I think it’s fair to say that Memories Really Do Matter.
In our family’s daily Bible study, we’ve covered Genesis thru Joshua this year. I’ve been very aware of an interesting trend. In the Old Testament, when God’s glory and power was revealed, there was often a “memorial” established.
After the world-wide flood, God set a rainbow in the sky as a “memorial”. Every time we see a rainbow we are reminded of our covenant God.
The Israelites built physical memorials. Their altars served as remembrances of specific events in the nation’s history: manifestations of God’s power. I’ve thought quite a bit about memories, memorials, and mementos.
I am not a particularly sentimental person. I have some (but not many) mementos from my childhood. I have several pictures documenting bad hairdos and big, gaudy homecoming mums. I have my dad’s clarinet. I’ve saved the metal ruler my dad whacked against the kitchen table (acting as my personal metronome) while helping me prepare for auditions.
I certainly have more mementos from the last 18 years of my life. I have lots of “treasures” from my husband and my children. These trinkets fill my heart when I consider each “gift” and the event attached to the memento.
While a memento can kindle a memory, so too can a melody, a certain scent, a special taste, the weather, the date, a sermon, a conversation, or a certain tone of voice. Unfortunately, memory lane is not always a beautiful street lined with pristine trees and sunshine.
Many of today’s children suffer unimaginable horror that will haunt them in the future. Their memories of abuse and neglect or indifference will color their relationships and assumptions about people for the rest of their lives.
The questions I wrestle with as a parent sound like this: What are my children going to remember about their childhood, our family, and me as a parent? Am I helping build memories that are going to bring my children joy and comfort? Are their memories going to help them in times of trouble or add fuel to their difficulties in life? Will their memories of our home strengthen their resolve to be adults with exemplary character or am I crippling my children? Will they react poorly in future relationships because they see me react poorly today? Will they remember things I’d rather they not?
When we think of making memories we might be tempted to think big, fantastic, and extra-ordinary; but building memories that provide for future stability and joy do not have to cost a penny.
I want my children to remember that our home was safe and comfortable. I want them to remember daily prayer and Bible study. I want them to remember that we loved, encouraged, and respected one another. I want their memories to be full of times when our family served in the community, prioritized time with cousins and grandparents, and read to learn and grow daily.
Do something today to plant a “seed” in your child’s heart with an expectation that it will germinate and grow and will bring joy and comfort as a memory down the road. Join the conversation by replying at the top of this post. Share your plan for planting a seed.
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