By ELIZABETH COOPER
Tuesday 28 July 2020
BLESSINGS AND MEMORIES
Thoughts from cycling – part 2.
Memories.
What purpose do memories serve?
This is another thought which presents itself as I am freewheeling downhill on my bike (the best part of any bike ride!) The rush of air and speed, simulating flying, replays for me a memory of zip wiring – one of my best life experiences and a super memory.
This memory has the purpose of linking my immediate challenge with the encouragement and satisfaction that comes with past achievement. This memory makes me laugh and smile as I remember the people I shared that amazing memory-making moment with. This memory is a blessing for my ‘down’ days too, a comfort all my own.
So, memories give strength and encouragement.
Memories bring us comfort too.
Recalling the laughter of a loved one no longer with us, bringing to mind their unique qualities. Remembering the fun we had with our children in earlier years, making memories for them to recall when they may need them.
Recounting friends’ faces who have helped us through thick and thin.
It has to be said that some memories serve as warnings! From the moment we start learning as a baby, there are things to remember…HOT things, SHARP things, STAIRS…the list goes on. All through our life, our choices and actions create memories that serve to inform and/or caution us at the next crossroad.
The Bible encourages us to remember what God has done. Just one instance from Deuteronomy 8 v 2: ‘and you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness’. Remembering so we might learn.
The Bible also asks us to remember His word so that we might do what He asks of us. Psalm 119 v 11 “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you!”
And Jesus said ‘remember me….’ who wouldn’t remember the greatest friend who sacrificed everything for you? And yet we do forget sometimes. Jesus knew we would need reminding…
As we all know from hearing a song associated with a first love or dancing wildly with friends barefoot and carefree , music is profoundly linked to personal memories. In fact, our brains are hard-wired to connect music with long-term memory. Even for persons with severe dementia, music can tap deep emotional recall.
Why not take a moment to recall some of your musical memories?
I guess the writers of the Psalms knew about this link as they put to music the emotions of their life events to remind them God was always there, fighting for them, comforting them, forgiving them, staying close, giving strength. Thoughts and memories set to music – I guess this is what has happened throughout the life of the Church and why we have so many wonderful songs to sing in praise of what God has done….and to help us remember.
Casting Crowns – Only Jesus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXIBP2BdYR8