Think of the earlier things you can remember. Playing with the family dog. Your first taste of a memorable food. The feeling of being held. Vivid colors. Pain. Joy. Security. Comfort. Games you played. How the seasons impacted you. Birthdays.
All of us have our own tapestry of memories – ones we can remember, as well as those right under the surface. As we grow, some form the basis for our feeling of well-being and happiness. Others may make us pensive or even fearful.
In the midst of all of this we are formulating the roots of our personal world-view. How we feel about family. About people. About adversity. About growing up. Some memories are based upon stories related to us by parents or siblings – these can be intertwined with those things we actually can remember – even from a very young age.
Each of these memories build upon the next, and they become the shapers of our stories. This is a great exercise: to think back. One of my favorite memories is Christmas. Being the oldest of seven kids, all of my brothers and sisters would head for the car for Christmas eve service, and I was a key part of the frantic pulling out of presents along with my Mom and/or Dad. This was a big deal to us, because we got most of our yearly presents during this blessed event. I think Dad would put it on account at the Farmer’s Store (we were not farmers) each year and pay it back before the next season. We each received a half-dozen gifts, so you can imagine the carnage: before, during, and after.
To this day Christmas fills me with nothing but anticipation. And Burnadette and I have passed this joy on to our kids and grands. It is an example of an early memory which has multiplied in the story of our family.
Take the time to sort out several of your poignant early memories. Reach out to others who may be able to reminisce and help you repaint these pictures together. It can be good for the soul. And sometimes a little risky!
This passage makes me a little nostalgic about my memories which have unfolded in my life. Perhaps you can relate.
“Life, lovely while it lasts, is soon over. Life as we know it, precious and beautiful, ends. The body is put back in the same ground it came from. The spirit returns to God, who first breathed it.” – Ecclesiastes 12:6,7/the message
I am grateful I will indeed live again. In fact, I am counting on it!
Won’t you join me?
You can find copies of Curious Journey: Your Story Matters in various forms – above right.
Each of these brief chapters represent conversations which can lead you deeper with others.