Making Memories
Have you ever had things not go as planned? For my family, it seemed to happen all too often. So much so that any time it did, I would tell the kids... “We’re just making memories”. Megan calls it my catch phrase. I'd tell them that one day we’d look back and laugh about some of the situations.
There were things like: blow outs in the middle of nowhere, the car a/c going out on a road trip during a heat wave, frequent flier trips to the ER for the strangest of mishaps, or the disastrous camping trip (pictured above) that my kids will never let me live down. Just ask any of them about it. They’ll be more than happy to fill you in.
I seem to have a knack for remembering details of situations that I’ve lived through. Most of the time that’s a good thing, but sometimes there are things that would best be forgotten. This is especially so for someone that already battles anxiety because it’s easy to get caught up on those things that can keep us from moving forward. Apparently, it's a struggle for others too since I've seen and heard several things on the topic lately.
After attending a recent funeral, I noticed something in common with all others. One of the first things people do is gather around and talk about their fondest memories of the person. This is when we find it easier to let go of the bad and cling to the good. Maybe we should try harder to do that at all times.
In Philippians 4 verse 6, Paul tells the church not to be anxious about anything and to pray about everything. It’s a well-known scripture that I have displayed on my office wall because I need the constant reminder, but he goes further. In verse 8, Paul tells them where to set their minds… on things that are worthy of praise.
Although it won't always be easy, my prayer this year is to continue to laugh about those catch phrase moments, hold on to things we should cherish, make new memories, and let go of the ones that would best be left in the past.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things. -Philippians 4:8
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