Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 27, 2019
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done. Psalm 105:4-5
I don’t like lines. My definition of waiting too long in a line is one minute over twenty. During Mother’s day weekend I waited in a thirty minute line with my nine year old granddaughter and my eight year old grandson. In the moment my mind shifted from being efficient (hurry up) to being effective (listen up). Listening to their curiosities, fears (a very high and fast water slide!) and interests (books and chess)—I remembered this moment was about making meaningful memories, not setting records to rush through a line. My son-in-law grasped the moment much better than me as he addressed his daughter, “Lily, I wish we could bottle up this memory and in the future uncork it to relive over and over again”. Meaningful memories are magical moments.
The Psalmist reminds us to always look to the Lord and His strength. Continually seek his face, and in the process remember the wonders He has done. The wonders He has done, ah, wow! The wonders of His love to save us. The wonders of His grace to grow us into Christlikeness. The wonders of His generosity to provide for us. The wonders of His sunrise and sunset to inspire us with His beautiful power to create. The wonders of His forgiveness to free us. The wonders of His people partner with us in the gospel. God gives us wonders to remember His faithfulness.
Here are some ways for you to experience meaningful summertime memories:
Be Intentional
Be intentional to plan out meaningful times together with family and friends, so your calendar is not highjacked by good activities initiated by well meaning people. Don’t stress over a perfect plan, but instead rest and relax as you collaborate with your spouse or friend, and together create experiences meaningful for all. Maybe ask, “At this stage of life, what is affordable and practical to bring us together in a fun, interesting and memorable time”? Maybe a staycation to take in the local destinations others outside your community travel to enjoy. State or national parks may be a day trip away, inviting you to enjoy. Read books together that describe your upcoming travels. In the middle of all you do, remember to recount God’s expressions of love around you. Plan ahead.
Be Flexible
Sometimes it may seem like a situation has been snatched from your control, if so, seek to be flexible. At work and with family we try to remember a homespun beatitude, “Blessed are the flexible, they shall not be stressed”! The plan you may have spent months perfecting may need to be modified due to someone else’s schedule or sickness. Good “travel insurance” is to trust the Lord when things don’t go as expected. I remember during one beach vacation rushing a child to the hospital because of a health issue. Not what any of us expected, but her illness allowed all of us to be extra patient and empathic. Holding an open hand with expectations allows joyful peace.
Be Selfless
Meaningful summer memories incubate in a selfless attitude. When we approach time with family and friends with a goal to serve and not be served, we are much more fulfilled. How can I love someone unconditionally, in spite of his chronic critical attitude? How can I model Jesus in front of a friend who doesn’t know Jesus? Frustration will stalk family members who are detached and determined to do their own thing. But, selfless service leads to sweet memories.
Most of all enjoy the wonder of God’s work in the beauty of nature’s creation and in the beauty of other human beings—His masterpieces. His wonders etched into our souls make our imagination come alive and our faith explode with possibilities. Recognizing and worshiping God’s grandeur grows our intimacy with Him and each other. Remember the wonders He has done. If you find yourself “stuck in a long line” look around you and listen, God may be speaking unexpectedly.
“Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare” (Psalm 40:5).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me remember your grandeur when I get away with family and friends, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
How can I be intentional to plan for meaningful memories?
Related Reading
Numbers 15:39; Psalm 119:52; John 15:20; 1 Corinthians 11:2
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In the middle of all you do, remember to recount God’s expressions of love around you. #WisdomHunters #memories
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4 minute video- Chris Rice:
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