Just A Memory??

Posted on March 21, 2007
Filed Under Uncategorized, Spirituality |

I’ve lost one of my best friends. Wait, don’t gasp yet . . . I’m referring to my dog, Jack. His affections have been stolen from me - right beneath my nose. Here’s how it happened: subtly and over time.

In the past several weeks, I’ve returned to work. I get up in the morning, leave the house for more than eight hours, come home and either crash on the couch or leave to do the other things I love far more than work like band or choir rehearsals. In other words, I don’t spend as much time at home with Jack as I used to.

As if that wasn’t enough, my husband, who previously commuted around two hours to and from work, now works from home. He spends his more than eight hours in a comfy, cool office in the downstairs of our home with Jack, my previous dog, laying at his feet. All. Day. I mean, when the two of them aren’t off for walks together that is . . .

Jack and Marc have become buds. And although Marc won’t admit that (he just likes to complain about how bad Jack smells), Jack wears his affection for Marc on his sleeve, er, paw. When Marc gets up to go ANYWHERE in the house, Jack is at his heels. If Marc makes a move for his keys, Jack is at the garage door. Jack is so close to Marc’s side that Marc has to be careful when backing his chair away from his desk for fear that he’ll run over Jack’s big, black body that’s laying so directly behind him. I’ve noticed here lately that I don’t always get the “welcome home” bark when I come through the doors at the end of the day. I have actually heard myself say, “where’s Jack?” when placing my keys on their holder only to realize that he’s in Marc’s office unmoved by my return. It’s as if he’s forgotten all the times before when it was the two of US spending our hours together. He’s got a short memory. Apparently.

When I went to www.biblegateway.com and typed in the word “remember” all kinds of scripture references were presented. “Remember what the Lord your God did . . . ” “Remember the Sabbath day . . . ” “Remember the days of old . . .” Apparently, when it comes to our relationships with our God, we can have short memories too.

It’s easy to forget who God was and how He was in yesterday’s overcoming when today’s struggle is so now. The patriarchs of the faith were forever telling their younger followers to remember the past salvations of God, but I don’t think they did that just for the sake of reminiscing and nostalgia. I think they did that so that when those young ones were confronted with battles of their own they would have a point of reference as to God’s power and willingness to get them through so that they’d have their own stories to later tell.

It’s good to remember. It’s good. In remembering my marital struggles I appreciate the agreement we enjoy today. In remembering my son’s at one time poor health, I’m grateful for his strength today. And, unlike Jack, the potential to create more memories makes me want to stay close to God and have a front row seat just in case He decides to part another Red Sea or send fire from Heaven. And, I want Him to remember me too.

Psalm 25: 6, 7:

Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, LORD, are good.

This morning I got up early and made sure that I was the one to feed Jack. This morning, I gave Jack his daily bread. I wonder if, when I return home this evening, he’ll remember . . .

Peace and Blessings,

Nicole Walters

Nic