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Embracing the Past

November is here! I noticed lately that the blog has a theme of remembrance and being grateful woven throughout each post.  I have been musing over different events to write about and what keeps coming to me is how important it is to remember and give thanks.

Yes, Murray and took a drive this weekend out into the country, but it was just before sunset on Friday night. I never want to forget the beautiful sunsets I have seen and enjoyed on the Prairies. The sunset on Friday night was breathtakingly beautiful.

Looking back in my journals, I noticed that my family often has taken-to-the-road when life is on the crazy-side, even in frigid weather.

Following is a journal entry from January 2002:

Last week my family took a few days off from routine and drove to Regina. The temperature that week was around -40c.  I like browsing bookstores, so we went to the Chapter's bookstore, and I found a book of poetry that caught my attention. The book was titled "Poems from the Heart."  I consider the book a gift from God.

One poem touched me deeply when I reflect upon and evaluate the circumstances from the last year of my life and the latest world event, 911.  I have decided to memorize this poem. 

Lest Thou Forget

Lest thou forget in the years between

The beautiful things thine eyes have seen:

The light of the sun and the silver sheen

Of cobwebs over a field of green...

 

The birth of love on a destined day

When blossomed the first sweet flowers of may

and sunlight flooded the wistful way;

 

The vows we took and the prayers we said

When the urge of love to the altars led

And the mystical marriage rites were read;

 

The sacrament scenes of death and birth;

The tragedies testing of human worth--

These are the timeless things of earth!

 

Reverence, worship, and love and prayer

Kneeling alone at the altar stair,

Hearing the Infinite whisper there.

 William L. Stidger

Now almost twenty years later, I have memorized this poem, and it has and continues to speak into my life.  I want to remember all the beauty I have seen over the years. Photos help me/us to remember and to embrace the past with a grateful heart.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Father God, thank you for all the different seasons of life.  Through each one and each event, help us to always be thankful and praise You.  Thank you for the many beautiful gifts that you have given.  I especially want to thank you that we can spend time alone with you daily. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Thanks for reading this post.  I reminder that the posts may come at different times as I am able to write.

Blessings and stay safe,

Robin

 

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