More Memories

I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:3-7 ESV).

As I was writing yesterday’s Morning Devotional I was thinking about some of the distant past. I began to reminisce about my days at Texas A&M. I lived on campus in the dorms prior to getting married. The second dorm I lived in was Hart Hall. It was named for a former Vice-President of the board after it was built in 1931! Believe me, not much had changed about it from then to the time I lived there. It was a solid structure, but without any of the amenities of some of the other dorms. I can still remember hoping for a little breeze to flow through the second story window of my room just to cool it down some. We didn’t have air conditioning in any of these rooms. I remember my roommate and suitemates. We became friends through our mutual “sufferings.” I suppose it wasn’t all bad. It was centrally located. Being in the middle of campus in those days was certainly an advantage. And, it was the least expensive residence hall. That was certainly a bonus. Truthfully, the best thing about dorm life in general was the opportunity to meet and make friends. Since such bonds were encouraged and emphasized at A&M it became one of the many highlights of my memories there. That’s how Paul starts his last letter to Timothy. He remembers fondly the friendships he has had through Timothy’s family. He recollects the church and the many people who had meant so much to him through the years. It caused me to pause. I find it so much easier to remember those who have hurt me than those who have befriended me. I know that’s not just backwards, it’s destructive. It encourages regret and renewal of the hurt and disappointment of the past. Paul doesn’t make that mistake and he encourages his readers to do the same: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Today, my encouragement to you is to recall the positive relationships God has allowed in your life. Laugh a little about some of the experiences. Cry a little about some of the losses. And, in all of those memories find the powerful plan and purpose of God in your journey. See if it won’t bring you a sense of peace and joy.