Wednesday, October 8, 2014
ANTICIPATING AND REMEMBERING
Winter approaches, the chilly wind lets me know we have arrived in the fall of the year. It's a time of anticipation, thanksgiving, the changing of the leaves, the coming of Christmas and the beginning of another year. The eyes of children brighten, looking toward the surprises?? under the Christmas tree. Usually, they are not that much of a surprise. Those who go to Grandma's anticipate the wonderful "memory food." It's so much better, not so much because it tastes better, but because our memories enhance the flavors.
Life can be like that, bringing us joy in anticipation and pleasure in memory. But these can also bring fear or pain. It's really a choice we make, consciously or unconsciously, regarding what we anticipate or remember.
The most inportant memories to me are the ones that help me move past the pain into the place of gratitude. Mom and Dad have been gone for years, yet the empty place in my heart remains, filled with pleasant and loving memories of the times and opportunities we shared together. My anticipation is that I will leave behind such wonderful memories for my children when I finally leave this world.
Dad's birthday was in October. So this month is not able spooks and goblins ... it is about remembering Sam, and remembering Sam causes me to remember Bea (my mom) and John (my brother). On purpose, I strive to remember the wonderful things we did, the trips to Pennsylvania in the old Plymouth car; the camping trips in a rag-tag tent trailer; the wooden runner sled we built to play in the snow when no one else would venture outside.
Sure, John and I had intense sibling rivalry, but I best remember when a neighhborhood kid was beating me up, how John came a-running, the wrath of Khan in his eyes, and saved me from the bully.
As I look toward the coming months, I realize I have new opportunities, new challenges, and new acquaintances to befriend and enjoy. What a delightful thought, that life does not end at 70, it opens up before me with a fresh sense of passion and purpose. Hallelujah! My mistakes are behind me, faint memories of failed wisdom. The lessons learned will help me be a wiser, kinder, more gentle, and more effective leader. So, I anticipate the joy of being called to churches to share the depth of experience I have as a springboard for their advance. I anticipate the years ahead as being more productive than those behind, and I sincerely believe God will continue to use me as a servent of His grace.
What better reason for thanksgiving. What greater gift - not under a tree, but rather being a tree, planted by the rivers of living water.
Next year - 2015 - the new and improved Dr. Philip Byler is coming to the world. Get ready!
Life can be like that, bringing us joy in anticipation and pleasure in memory. But these can also bring fear or pain. It's really a choice we make, consciously or unconsciously, regarding what we anticipate or remember.
The most inportant memories to me are the ones that help me move past the pain into the place of gratitude. Mom and Dad have been gone for years, yet the empty place in my heart remains, filled with pleasant and loving memories of the times and opportunities we shared together. My anticipation is that I will leave behind such wonderful memories for my children when I finally leave this world.
Dad's birthday was in October. So this month is not able spooks and goblins ... it is about remembering Sam, and remembering Sam causes me to remember Bea (my mom) and John (my brother). On purpose, I strive to remember the wonderful things we did, the trips to Pennsylvania in the old Plymouth car; the camping trips in a rag-tag tent trailer; the wooden runner sled we built to play in the snow when no one else would venture outside.
Sure, John and I had intense sibling rivalry, but I best remember when a neighhborhood kid was beating me up, how John came a-running, the wrath of Khan in his eyes, and saved me from the bully.
As I look toward the coming months, I realize I have new opportunities, new challenges, and new acquaintances to befriend and enjoy. What a delightful thought, that life does not end at 70, it opens up before me with a fresh sense of passion and purpose. Hallelujah! My mistakes are behind me, faint memories of failed wisdom. The lessons learned will help me be a wiser, kinder, more gentle, and more effective leader. So, I anticipate the joy of being called to churches to share the depth of experience I have as a springboard for their advance. I anticipate the years ahead as being more productive than those behind, and I sincerely believe God will continue to use me as a servent of His grace.
What better reason for thanksgiving. What greater gift - not under a tree, but rather being a tree, planted by the rivers of living water.
Next year - 2015 - the new and improved Dr. Philip Byler is coming to the world. Get ready!
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