Memories

     A friend sent me a picture a while back along with the question, "Do you remember why this stock photo would make me laugh?" I did. I haven't seen her for years, but that memory sparks a connection and a longing to see her again. There are other memories that have the same effect. Someone probably remembers praying to see pigs. Some of you may recall the out of order poster on the bathroom door that was signed by a variety of famous people. Perhaps there is someone out there that remembers with the same fondness I do a certain character named Sam that liked to sit on the teacherage roof and eat Snickers. And one mustn't forget the dummy in the toilet! What about pterodactyl noises and warthog sightings? Is anyone familiar with being caught decorating a co-teacher's classroom? Or how about making up songs while driving atop the Mississippi River levee? These are my memories, my friends. There are many more. 
    You have friends and memories, too. They probably are slightly different than mine, but you are familiar with the nostalgic rush of emotion, of thinking, "Those were good times! I'd love to see them again!" Time, if allowed, will dull the negative memories. I don't remember so well the bad days I had the first year I taught first, second, and third, (and I know there were some!) but I remember the way my students made me smile. The good memories are where we linger with wistful smiles. When you have a chance to sit with an old friend, you inevitably will bring up the memories. The  "do you remembers" fly thick and fast. Your comradery is revived with the "I had to think about you the other day when..." 
    Then I think about when I sit with the best Friend of all and we talk together. Do I bring up my good memories? Do I spend time thanking Him for all the help He has given me? So often my time is spent complaining or begging for more of this or a bit of that. My conversation is overwhelmed with "I'm so sorry" and "Please help!"
    As I go about my day and temptations leap into view, it's so easy to dwell on the times I've failed instead of remembering the times He has helped me to overcome. I get lost in the web of confusion I weave for myself instead of remembering His gentle light. Yet I call Him my Friend. Would He not be happy for me to dwell on the good memories rather than drowning in the bad? Not that I can't learn from my mistakes, but in order to live as a victor rather than a victim, I need to focus on the victories, not the failures. 
    As I face the challenges of tomorrow, I want to focus on the joy and peace He has given me, the light and direction He has gifted me. I want to anticipate the day I shall get to see Him face to face, sit at His feet, and simply thank Him again and again for all that He has done for me, for He is the best Friend of all.