DEVOTION:
Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”
THOUGHT:
Yesterday I had the privilege of leading the funeral service for Marion Bailey. During the service, I shared many memories and stories of Marion, each one telling a little bit about the life and person we loved. Then we went downstairs for fellowship, and something wonderful happened. The stories continued. One memory led to another, and then another. I found myself thinking about what an incredible gift God has given us in the ability to remember.
Paul wrote, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” I understood those words a little better this morning. Think about it. Someone we love can no longer be sitting beside us, and yet a song can bring them back to mind. A familiar expression, a favorite recipe, an old photograph, or a story we have told a hundred times can suddenly make us smile again. Sometimes we even hear ourselves saying something they used to say and think, Oh my, I've become my mother! Or my father, grandmother—or whoever it might be. Apparently, some memories sneak up on us!
But perhaps memories are more than simply remembering what happened. They are reminders that we have loved and that we have been loved. And isn't love one of God's greatest gifts?
Yesterday, as people shared stories about Marion, I realized that we weren't remembering accomplishments nearly as much as we were remembering a person—how she treated people, the things she said, the laughter she shared, her faith, and the countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary simply because they were shared with someone we loved. That made me wonder what memories are we creating right now.
Someday someone may remember a conversation they had with us, a kindness we offered, a time we forgave, the way we welcomed them, or simply that we were there when they needed someone. Perhaps that's one more reason to love generously while we have the opportunity. And as Christians, we have something even greater than our memories. We have hope. We believe that those we love who have gone before us are not simply living in our memories. They are held in the hands of God.
PRAYER: Almighty and Holy God, thank You for the people who have become part of our story. Thank You for the memories that still make us laugh, sometimes make us cry, and always remind us that we have loved and been loved. Help us treasure those who are with us today and create memories filled with kindness, grace, faith, and love. And when we remember those who have gone before us, remind us that they are safely held in Your care. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DEVOTION:
Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”
THOUGHT:
Yesterday I had the privilege of leading the funeral service for Marion Bailey. During the service, I shared many memories and stories of Marion, each one telling a little bit about the life and person we loved. Then we went downstairs for fellowship, and something wonderful happened. The stories continued. One memory led to another, and then another. I found myself thinking about what an incredible gift God has given us in the ability to remember.
Paul wrote, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” I understood those words a little better this morning. Think about it. Someone we love can no longer be sitting beside us, and yet a song can bring them back to mind. A familiar expression, a favorite recipe, an old photograph, or a story we have told a hundred times can suddenly make us smile again. Sometimes we even hear ourselves saying something they used to say and think, Oh my, I've become my mother! Or my father, grandmother—or whoever it might be. Apparently, some memories sneak up on us!
But perhaps memories are more than simply remembering what happened. They are reminders that we have loved and that we have been loved. And isn't love one of God's greatest gifts?
Yesterday, as people shared stories about Marion, I realized that we weren't remembering accomplishments nearly as much as we were remembering a person—how she treated people, the things she said, the laughter she shared, her faith, and the countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary simply because they were shared with someone we loved. That made me wonder what memories are we creating right now.
Someday someone may remember a conversation they had with us, a kindness we offered, a time we forgave, the way we welcomed them, or simply that we were there when they needed someone. Perhaps that's one more reason to love generously while we have the opportunity. And as Christians, we have something even greater than our memories. We have hope. We believe that those we love who have gone before us are not simply living in our memories. They are held in the hands of God.