Memories

I can remember, as a child, hearing my father disdainfully say, as we drove away from his parent's home in Alabama, "Now when we come here, all they talk about is the past". I've never forgotten that and occasionally remind myself, as I age, not to get stuck 'back there" somewhere. Memories are great, and I have the blessing (or curse) of being able to remember details from my earliest childhood on. (Okay, I'll admit I have trouble with recalling what happened yesterday!)

But how do we keep looking forward, especially when we are no longer at our 'prime' and see some abilities failing us? It's so tempting to hang on to what used to be. There is a verse that sometimes comes to mind, that often sends me in a better direction. Paul, who from his travels and imprisonments, knew a lot about physical trials, wrote, "So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day." (II Cor. 4:16)

That's it! We lose some physical strength and abilities , but that's not the end of the story. For those who rely on a Power greater than this physical one we have temporarily on loan, there is more than memories. (It's an 'inside job'.) Each day we can be renewed by his Spirit within, and a hope not limited to our present situation.

Thank God for many good, good memories, but I thank Him even more for daily strength to meet each circumstance, and for what eventually lies ahead beyond this temporary housing.
(II Cor. 5:1-10)

The wisdom of little Jon Benjamin

"What condition is my condition in?" I'm not always sure how to answer that. On the physical side things are apparently very slowly deteriorating. (I'm thankful for the 'slow' part.) But in a real sense I'm more concerned about my inner condition than the outer. How am I managing there?

A famous radio host wrote a book, "Old Age Is Not For Sissies". That can apply to life in general, and the walk of faith in particular. When we look at some of the words of Paul we get that idea. How about, for instance, in I Thessalonians 5:16-18, when he asks us to,""Rejoice always! Pray constantly, Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.". No easy task. Yet, I agree with Paul, that's the 'condition' I wish to strive for.

I get a kick out of hearing how Jon Benjamin, our little 2 yr. old grandson, sometimes sits in the middle of the floor and just shouts out:"Rejoice"! Where did he get that? In Church no doubt. But how wonderful to get that wisdom from the 'mouth of babes.'
Rejoice always...even when it isn't easy. Pray and keep our minds on where the real power comes from. In everything, find a place for thankfulness, since God IS going to work it out.