Some of my fondest times growing up were Friday nights. I knew I didn’t have to get up early for school the next morning. There was this little drive-in restaurant in the small town we lived in. You phoned in your order and they brought it out to your car. We always ordered from there. They had the best hamburgers! My mom, dad, brother and I would happily munch on our food and watch a couple of our favorite family shows. We just enjoyed the normalcy of it. It was kind of a little tradition for us. We didn’t spend a lot of money. We weren’t out and about. We just had uninterrupted time together and made memories. Love was in our home. So simple, yet so impactful. I bet if you dig back into your mind, you have something similar that stirs up happy emotions as well. I love a good memory. We all do. In a world where things are not always good, a happy memory takes you to a place where goodness abounds.
King David said this. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4 NIV) You ask how this relates to memories? I want to focus on the fact that he’s reminding God that His staff (God’s Staff) comforts him. David knew what it was like to be a shepherd. Shepherds started at the bottom of their staff and carved pivotal moments of their lives into them. They would certainly put events on there where God showed up on their behalf. David was saying, “If I get scared and afraid, there’s no need. I can look back on the staff and remind myself of your goodness.” He had recorded these memories in his mind where God came through. In the midst of trouble, these memories brought comfort and truth. We get to partake of these impactful memories even today. His life of faith carries over. We aren’t normally shepherding animals in our region of the world. However, we have The Bible. It’s full of recorded “memories” that should encourage us today. God is no respecter of persons. He will do anything for us that He did for His people then. “For God does not show favoritism.” (Romans 2:11 NIV)
We’re all busy doing something with our time every day. Every action we invest in returns in some form of reaction. “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” (Galatians 6:7 NLT) Be intentional about creating the environment in your household. Be intentional about creating an environment at work, the ball field, the grocery store, etc. Anywhere you are is a chance to create an atmosphere that may just plant a wonderful memory for someone around you. You never truly know what your planted words in someone’s heart will produce. Let’s be people who are not just focused on ourselves. Let’s try to give something tangible to future generations. Passing down wonderful memories is a fantastic tradition. Especially where The Lord is concerned. Make memories of praying together, loving each other and doing life together. The devil also wants to produce memories for your loved ones. They are not good and he wants to use those situations against you and them in the future. Let’s make a conscious effort to allow the light to drown out the darkness.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3 ESV) God will honor the fact that you want to honor Him. He knows life is tough and can turn on a dime. He wants His people today to leave a legacy of His goodness like His people of long ago. Be strategic about your conversations. Be alert to any chance you may have to show love to someone. You will not only make someone’s day, you’ll make a memory.
Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.
