Thankful for Memories

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 ESV). Happy Thanksgiving! Our reading seems a bit strange given that today is Thanksgiving, doesn’t it? Who thinks of a Christmas verse on Thanksgiving? Well, I guess I do. The context of this verse is the visit from the Shepherds after Jesus is born. The angels come to them while they are tending their flock. They shout the arrival of the Messiah. They are overcome with curiosity and wonder as they are led to the manger in Bethlehem. They come and worship Jesus, telling Mary what has just taken place in the fields. Then Luke recalls that she “treasured these things” to later “ponder” them. It is a beautiful picture of the marvelous effect of memories. When we think about what we're thankful for, we may forget about things we've experienced in the past, or loved ones we've lost, since we don't really "have" them anymore. But we do still have them in the form of memories. It was once believed that nostalgia was a pathological condition, but research suggests that spending time reflecting back on happy memories can increase happiness and reduce loneliness. I have so many of these memories. They are stockpiled around me for easy access. I carry two such memories in a tangible way everywhere I go. This first is worn on my left hand. My wedding ring is always with me to remind me of that singular day, nearly 46 years ago when Mary was walked down the aisle of First Baptist Bryan, Texas, on her Dad’s arm. What a day! So many stories can be told of those moments. Some of them are humorous, others very serious, and all of them wonderful. I have overcome many difficult moments simply by touching that ring and “pondering” that treasure. The other is on my right hand. It’s my senior ring from Texas A&M. I can’t even begin to list the memories associated with that ring. There were many. I remember the first days as a cadet in the Corps; I remember bonfire; I remember meeting Mary on campus; I remember the friends I made, some who are gone now. The list is extensive, just like with the other ring; and, they are all important to me. So today I encourage you to dig out those old picture albums; spend some time with your children or grandchildren telling the stories of each of those pictures. Record the stories as you tell them who each of the persons are in the photos. Someday, perhaps long after we’re gone on to heaven, they will have those pictures and be able to recount the same memories, vicariously experiencing the joy we shared with them this Thanksgiving, 2015.