memory: n. the power or process of reproducing or recalling what has been learned and retained, especially through associative mechanisms.

remember: v. to bring to mind or think of again; to retain in the memory.

I don’t want to ever forget this. I want to remember it for as long as I live. This, my prayer after receiving an amazing God blessing, one where He touched my life in ways above and beyond what I could every imagine.

But what did I do? I forgot. And that is the point of this essay.

Memory has many facets and can be a powerful tool, influencing and affecting how we live. Recollection of past experiences provides a point of reference, giving guidance in the way we treat others or make decisions. It supplies data and information on how we approach a situation, be it personal or otherwise. For example, I make sure I have my car keys in my hands before locking the car door–because I remember the feeling of locking myself out. Our stash of memories bring us comfort as well, as we recall moments with loved ones who have passed. In truth, our memory makes up a huge part of who and what we are. We would be only a shell without it.

According to the powers that be, short-term memory begins to fail as we age. “They” say that, at the same time, long-term memory sharpens until, as an elder, we will only remember our childhood and youth and not the fact we turned the stove on to boil water . . . then walked out the back door, completely oblivious.

As an eighty-year-old, I find I check myself often on the memory aspect. Though I’m not sure how prudent it is for the subject of the matter to be the one who observes the same said subject. Every random incident becomes the object of analysis. Am I losing “it”? What is his/her name? What is that plant called? Did I turn off the water filling the pond before I left? (I’ve tried to get ahead of that one by setting a timer to signal when it’s time to do just that.)

Memory does fade, the sharp, crisp details of life rubbed soft by the sandpaper of time.

A very real concern presents itself when the ability and capability to function independently becomes compromised due to simply not remembering how to accomplish basic daily tasks. The dreaded phrase “memory care facility” may then be introduced.

Personally, I suffer from the condition of being easily distracted. I always have, so it’s difficult to determine if my failure to focus relates to my age or is just “me being me.”

All humankind possesses memory, the capacity to mentally pull up experiences or facts from a historical novel, the one in which we have the starring role. That ongoing story is embellished as daily incidents contribute to it. Each of us holds the role of the main character in a tale that belongs exclusively to us, one replete with personal memories. Without experience, our memory bank would be empty.

There is a spiritual application to this, one I referenced at the beginning–not making a point of remembering the work of God in my life.

Often, when hard times come, the first response is a negative one, even from those of faith. Losing sight of all He has done, we have a knee-jerk reaction: What are You doing? I knew things were too good to be true. I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Stop. Check your memory file. Consider and remember God’s hand in your life–from the beginning to the present. Do not disregard His presence in its circumstances for as long as you can remember. Hold the memory of those experiences close to your heart.

Perhaps they include the blessing of a job, a spouse, a good report from medical tests. Our lives abound with God’s touch. We need to remember. And give Him credit as we acknowledge Him and His hand.

You might be one who holds total and complete indifference and, perhaps, even contempt for such “nonsense.” May I suggest you consider your “good luck” or the “coincidences” you’ve experienced in a different light? Ponder the possibility they became part of your life at the hand of God. He has a point and purpose in everything. Ask the God you don’t believe in for His perspective. You just might be surprised.

When I remember God’s hand and His work, I am given a building block, one on which today’s situation(s) can be built upon. My personal scope and background are broad–after all, I am eighty years old. I have countless numbers of “I remember” experiences when it comes to God.

I challenge you to do the same.

As I survey my past and open the memory files, the thoughts become a flood.

Every time I drive through the intersection just up the street from where I live, I glance over at the crosswalk–and visualize where I stood when a speeding car missed the turn and drove behind me, no more than eighteen inches from wiping me out. I remember being spared major facial injury in an intersection in Idaho. I knew I was going down face first, but turned my head at the last nano-second and landed on my jaw instead. (What is it about me and intersections?)

And one of the more recent–ah, yes. I remember where my thoughts were at the beginning of this essay. While it is 100 degrees outside, I am sitting inside, reveling in the A/C feature of a newly installed heat pump system–made available because of “above and beyond” blessings. God has never failed me. He deserves my trust today and every day.

I started a gratitude journal a few weeks ago. In it I wrote down the instances and incidents of God in my daily life. I found it helpful to go back and read it, to refresh my memory. I got lazy and stopped making entries. I am going to begin recording God’s personal feats again. I want those visual reminders of His goodness.

And that brings my point to a conclusion. Remember what God has done for you throughout your life. Do not forget His care and kindness, His love, or His ability to do anything and everything–for you and on your behalf.

I remember what happened long ago.

I spend time thinking about all your acts.

I consider what your hands have done.

Psalm 143:5 NIRV