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We are to never take for granted the precious moments that we have towards
those who are closest to us, our family. We are to appreciate and enjoy
each day that we have with each other and keep in mind that tomorrow is not
guaranteed to us. There are times when we lose patience for one reason or
another and miss out on the chance to make memories that last a lifetime.
We should always be today minded and enjoy to the fullest the company of
those around us. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11) (James 4:13-16) (Psalm 118:24)
Doing simple things like sitting together and reading stories, singing
songs or going for ice cream leave good memories that last a lot longer
than you may think. Be encouraged to initiate a good memory cycle by
offering to do things with your family and friends that are both enjoyable
and will leave a good feeling deep down in your hearts. (Nehemiah 8:10)
I hope you are challenged by today's message to do all you can to build
memories that will fill your family's hearts in the years to come.
NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN
For those who were there, it is a moment frozen in time, never to be forgotten.
It was my father's 90th birthday, and 30 or so of us had gathered at the
Alzheimer's care center where he lived to celebrate with him.
He seemed unusually bright and cheery as he was greeted, hugged and loved
by his wife, his brother, four of his eight children and numerous grand-
children and great-grand-children.
His brightest smile came when he saw his eldest surviving son, Rick, for
the first time in three years. Although he couldn't articulate what he was
feeling, you could just see the flash of recognition and feel the wave of
emotion.
There were lots of photos, a couple of brief speeches, a little
entertainment and, of course, birthday cake and ice cream. Dad seemed to
enjoy it all -- especially the cake and ice cream.
Then, suddenly, it was time to go. No one was anxious to leave -- least of
all Dad -- but meal time at the care center was fast approaching, and we
needed to clear the dining room. There was just time for one more rousing
chorus of “Happy Birthday to You.”
“No -- wait,” someone suggested. “Let's sing something that Dad can sing
with us.”
On the surface, that seemed ludicrous. Although Dad was quite alert through
the event, coherent expression from him was limited to two and three-word
sentences: “I'm fine,” “How are you?” and “Oh, no.” He couldn't remember
the names of those nearest and dearest to him; asking him to participate
in a sing-along was an exercise in futility, wasn't it?
A different song was selected, one of Dad's favorites from years gone by:
“Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” Just the mention of the song was enough to
evoke tender feelings from those of us who remember the many times it was
sung at family gatherings and as a way of passing the time during long
family trips.
In my mind, I can still hear the melodic blending of Dad's bold and brassy
bass with Mom's rich alto resonating in the old Impala as we musically made
our away across the California desert to visit family members on the Coast.
All eyes were focused on Dad as we began singing:
“Let me call you Sweetheart, I'm in love with you.”
His lips began forming the words of lyrics indelibly etched somewhere in
his mind.
“Let me hear you whisper that you love me, too.”
His eyebrows arched. His eyes sparkled.
“Keep the love light burning in your eyes so blue.”
I was kneeling close to him, and could hear him singing. It wasn't the
strong, vibrant voice that had embarrassed me as it boomed out mercilessly
in countless church meetings through the years, but it was unmistakably
Dad's voice.
“Let me call you Sweetheart, I'm in love with you.”
He smiled happily as we harmoniously reached the end of the song. Tears
moistened most eyes as we savored the magic of the moment. For a few
measures, at least, Dad was Dad again, leading the family in singing one
of our old favorite songs.
I've thought about that moment a lot since then. There is real power in the
music of our lives. I'm not sure I understand it, but there is something
dramatic that happens when words and melodies mingle in our minds. It is
burned into our consciousness. It becomes part of who we are and what we
think -- for good or ill -- freezing moments in time, never to be forgotten.
By Joseph Walker
Be encouraged to make special time to be with your family and friends to
enjoy this day that God has given us. Life is precious and the moments
that we have been given are to be relished and made the best of and should
never be wasted. Take the initiative to have a great day with those whom
you love and build memories that will bring smiles fifty years from now.
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Nehemiah 8:10 “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink
the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for
this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the Joy of the
LORD is your strength.”
Psalm 28:6-8 “Blessed be the LORD, because He hath heard the voice of my
supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in
Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my
song will I praise Him. The LORD is their strength, and He is the saving
strength of His anointed.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever
things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there
is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: THIS MOMENT
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem45.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: HEALED FROM DEPRESSION
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony130.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
