Some Things I'd Like to Forget
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- Written by Joann Thornton
“Oh, what is her name?” I quiz myself silently, frustrated that my memory or “lack thereof” seems to have eluded me, again! She has attended services with us, occasionally over the last few months and today our paths cross at the grocery store and oh, I really want to call her by her name. Let’s see, I remember she has a little boy with beautiful auburn hair and blue eyes. Think, think! What is her name? It seems that I vaguely remember her name ends with a “y” sound, maybe ‘Carrie’, no, ummm….’Jamie’, no. Now is not the time for my brain to “freeze.”
Why does this happen? Why is it that we tend to forget the things we so desperately need and want to remember? And, then other times we remember details we would be better served to forget. Memory is an amazing ability, to say the least. We remember songs we’ve heard, aromas we’ve smelled, sights we’ve seen, delicious foods we’ve tasted and people we’ve met. Our memory is a storehouse of knowledge; math, science, history, people and places. I’m thankful for wonderful memories, as a little girl, of hearing my grandma start the day singing, (joyously, in a loud voice, to wake up the sun) “Living on the Hallelujah Side” while I was snuggled under warm covers and she cooked breakfast. Or, the beautiful moment when I held each of my children for the first time and took in their appearance, smell and softness. And, it’s so comforting to revisit a time of prayer when the Lord spoke a word of encouragement we so desperately needed that very moment. These are beautiful thoughts to recall and meditate on!
But, just as we remember these lovely thoughts, our minds are as quick to retain thoughts of bitterness, grudges, unkind words that were spoken hastily by someone long ago. Disputes or maybe a manner in which someone looked at me in a certain way and “I just haven’t gotten over it” are common details we intently remember, but would be better served to forget. There are legitimate “hurts” in life which we all experience at some time but I’ve decided that I don’t want those to stay in the corridors of my mind forever. It is much more beneficial for everyone, if I choose to obey Philippians 4:8 which states, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” The Lord instructs us to remember these things! It is more pleasing to Him for me to download good thoughts, retain wholesome memories and dwell on them.
The holiday season especially is a time that stirs memories of many kinds. For some, there are heartaches that make these days of celebration very difficult while for others, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. We may choose to remember our favorite Christmas gift or we often share Christmas traditions we remember from our past. And, even now, if we allow, our mind may begin to recall these sentimental memories and wonderful images. There are studies that show that we can aid our memory by foods we eat and exercise. And even “work-outs” for the brain we can practice to discipline our retention. While there may be validity to these theories, I’ve found that, most often, it is simply an intentional decision on my part, to manage those thoughts I allow to marinate in my mind. We are instructed in 1 Peter 1:13 “Gird up the loins of your mind…..” This directs us to literally tie-up loose ends within our minds, instead of simply allowing our thoughts to run rampant of their own free will. So today, let’s choose to leave offenses in the hands of Jesus. There are many blessings to be thankful for, so many places to go, good times to enjoy and new friends to be made. It may be that these present experiences will turn to memories wrapped up in pretty ribbons for the unwrapping as we desire.
Julie, that’s it, “Julie!” I exclaim “Merry Christmas girl, it’s so good to see you”.