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The memories that are created when we are young stay with us our entire
lifetime and many times when we find ourselves down or discouraged, it can
be a comfort to think of days gone by where times were so simple and life
was so enjoyable. When we are young, we are in a hurry to grow up. We
can't wait to turn 13 years old to become a teenager and then 16 years old
so that we can get our drivers license and then 18 years old so that we can
be called an adult and finally 21 years old when we are of legal age to do
“anything” we want. It is in this time of hurrying through life that we
fail to realize how precious our childhood days really were.
Time that we spent with our parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins and
friends do so much to fill our memories that when thought upon as adults
easily brings a smile to our face. It is for this reason that we should
be quick to remember and allow those memories of days gone by to encourage
us, lift us up and let us know that all things will be well in this present
time. We shouldn't discount our future simply because there are trials in
our path, but rather we are to realize that just as we had a great past, we
also are assured of a bright and blessed future.
I hope this message encourages and inspires you to think on the great
memories that bring a smile to your heart.
NEVER GROWING OLD
It was a question that had me asking a question of my own.
A recent article I read posed the question: If you could relive a summer
memory what would it be?
On this lazy summer's afternoon the musings of my middle age mentality have
me asking a question of my own. How can you choose just one?
A trip down memory lane brought me back to a tree lined street in the
Roseland community -- a quaint and quiet neighborhood where we lived until
I was about 12 years old.
Across the railroad tracks from our home was an indoor pool. My brothers,
sister and I would often go swimming there.
One afternoon, as I ran across the tracks from the “Pump” as we called it,
I saw my dad in the backyard, the contents of a kiddie pool strewn about
the lawn.
Patience was not a virtue that my dad possessed, which is why our pool was
the only pool in the neighborhood whose liner was clamped down with
clothes pins.
When filled to the rim the shallow water reached right below my knees. But
it didn't stop us from splish-splashing away many hot summer days.
My dad also loved having barbecues, though he was far from a genius at the
grill. He'd make a grand production but the result would always yield the
same result -- hamburgers the size and consistency of charcoal and hot dogs
that ended up resembling beef jerky.
I do remember his milk shakes being the best. He'd dump a half gallon of
ice cream in the big green mixing bowl and add milk and chocolate syrup.
Then he'd mix it all with the hand mixer and ladle it into the tall fancy
glasses usually reserved for company. Dad tried his best despite his
dysfunction in cooking. And, besides, it wasn't about the food as much as
it was about the togetherness of family.
Sunday mornings were always special when grandma spent the weekend. She'd
stand at the stove, in her flowered duster, and make us German pancakes.
They were crepes we'd spread with butter, sprinkle with sugar, roll up and
eat. They were so good!
It's been more than 40 years since I've tasted one of her breakfast
specialties, but all I have to do is close my eyes and I can see her
standing there at the stove. With that memory, the word “comfort” food
takes on a whole new meaning.
Long car rides were also an adventure we'd do as a family on summer
evenings. Our dad would do the driving while we kids would sit in the back
seat, with all the windows rolled down as our hair would blow carefree in
the soft, warm wind of the season. We'd cap the evening off with a trip to
the penny candy store where everything really was a penny.
Many a mid summer's morning you could find mom standing at the ironing
board. She'd fill a Pepsi bottle with water and attach a big plastic
flower petal, with tiny holes, to the top of the bottle. She'd sprinkle
the clothes with water, wipe her brow with a hankie as she'd continue
pressing out the wrinkles on clothes, long before the concept of permanent
press apparel became popular.
Our bed time treat rarely varied. After baths were taken, mom would place
a pint of ice cream on the table. She always sliced it into 4 perfect
slices, one for each of us.
The question the author posed about choosing one memory to relive has
opened a flood gate of memories too many to choose from.
If I had a choice, I think I'd rather opt for one more day to spend with
my family in that house on 104th place in Roseland. To smell the Lillies
of the Valley that grew wild and untouched in the front yard. To catch
lightning bugs in the backyard and bike ride around the block, with my
little brother teasing me and my friends because we couldn't leave the block.
What I wouldn't give, as an adult, to sit on the old back porch and sip a
milk shake my dad had made especially for me.
To laugh with my grandma and to have a chat with my mom -- if she could be
as she was and I could be who I am now. (I'd have a lot of thanking to do.)
It's a gift to reclaim a sense of our summer's youth. While we can't relive
the past, it's a blessing to know, that through memories, we never really
grow old.
By Kathy Whirity
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 John 4:7-8 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and
every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not
knoweth not God; for God is love.”
Romans 12:15-17 “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them
that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things,
but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of
all men.”
Psalm 8:3-6 “When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon
and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful
of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him? For Thou hast made him
a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast
put all things under his feet.”
Psalm 37:23-26 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and He
delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:
for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand. I have been young, and now am
old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging
bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: IN HIS HANDS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem159.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: GOD'S ALIVE AND WELL
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony34.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
