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)