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I believe for many people the fondest memories that bring back the most
joy comes from their youth. When you are a child, everything is new and
exciting and an adventure to partake in. Children don't look to money in
order to have a good time, but simply being with their friends and family,
they find things to do and enjoy. It was the simple things that were the
most fun. Waiting for the ice cream man to come down my street and chasing
after his truck hoping he would stop still makes me laugh today. Going
swimming with friends on a hot summer day and simply being silly together
proves to me that personal relationships are worth much more than any
financial or material possessions. It is for this reason that I like to
emphasize that we should always spend more time with those whom we love.
It is the relationships that endure in our memory and remind us of what is
most important in life. Be encouraged to reevaluate how you are spending
your time. Are you doing things just because you are in a routine or are
you moving with purpose? Do you know that every material possession will
one day rot or rust? The only things that will endure is the love and
time that was joyously spent with those who mean the world to us. It is
never too late to start building memories. Start again today if you have
been lacking in this area. You will find more joy and happiness doing the
simple things with your loved ones than you ever will by following what
the world is doing. (John 13:34-35) (Romans 12:9-10) (1 John 2:15-17)
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to think on how you
are spending your time. Let this message rekindle the fire within you to
build memories that will last the lifetime of your loved ones as well as
yourself.
JUST ONE MORE TIME
“Damp, musty and well-worn.” It certainly wouldn't catch your attention in
a travel brochure.
“No indoor plumbing. Hand pump for water located in back of the building.”
No, that wouldn't make me want to stay there either.
“Out house conveniently located in front of or directly behind your rental.”
What? No way!
So why do I long to return to those places of my youth?
The old worn out couches were like giant pillows barely framed in faded
mahogany, oak or pine. The kitchen table was held up by scratched and
dented steel legs. The top surface was etched a hundred times by those
before us. The red and white vinyl covered chairs would stick to my legs
on a hot summer day.
Still, one more meal there would be a blessing.
There were no televisions. There were no radios unless you brought one of
your own. That meant you needed to entertain yourself for the week you
were there.
“Under the 'N' the free spot!” my uncle Al would call out each evening.
Yes, we played Bingo. It had such an impact on me that I still own an old
Bingo game set to this very day.
The few beds that were available in any of these classic vacation spots
held lumpy, torn, mattresses with a few questionable stains. But they were
covered with our own bed linens freshly washed and folded by my mother.
Of course, I never had the pleasure of actually sleeping on one of those
dinosaurs. My grandparents and other older adults held that great privilege.
The rest of us slept on couches, chairs and yes the floor.
It was routine to discover my Grandmother standing over me in the middle
of the night. Her thoughts and mental health often caused her to get up
several times during the night. She carried a flashlight as she wandered
through the cottage. Early on in my childhood I would awaken frightened
and shaking under the covers each time I saw this “ghost” wandering
around. As years went by, I would wake up and say “Hello, Grandma! I love
you!” I think it gave her pleasure and somewhat of a reality check to know
she was somewhere she belonged.
Our days were spent at Sandy Beach and some of the most satisfying,
delicious meals shared on old weather-worn picnic tables nestled under the
pines.
I floated for hours on end in the lake. I had no fancy blown up vinyl
rafts, just a simple inner tube from an old tire. My Dad was a mechanic.
A few times a week we would head to Hanson's Park, which was located right
on the lake. My first roller coaster ride was with my Uncle Al. I couldn't
speak for hours afterwards. By today's ride standards, that coaster would
be a kiddie ride. But in the eyes of a 7 year old in 1957, it was the
scariest ride on earth.
I really can't remember what I did all day long back at the rented
cottage, but I managed to keep myself busy and very happy. I had no video
games, no electronic toys. I had my imagination, which now as I think
back, may have been the foundation for what I do today.
This was vacation. We traveled almost 12 miles to get there. I lived in
Kingston we vacationed at Harvey's Lake. It was the best we could do. It
was the most my family could afford.
I'm 55 now and I've traveled to some of the most remarkable places. I have
stayed in some of the most luxurious hotels. I've eaten some of the best
meals in the world.
But I'd give almost anything for one more night, one more picnic, one more
roller coaster ride, one more trip to the outhouse...just one more time!
By Bob Perks
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 Peter 3:10-11 “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him
refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let
him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.”
Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken
spirit drieth the bones.”
1 Timothy 6:6-8 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing
out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: LOVE IN THE HOME
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem143.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: HE CAME TO ME IN THE NIGHT
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony64.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
