We are to
never take for granted the precious moments that we
have towards those who are closest to us, our family.
We are to appreciate and enjoy each day that we have
with each other and keep in mind that tomorrow is not
guaranteed to us. There are times when we lose
patience for one reason or another and miss out on the
chance to make memories that last a lifetime. We
should always be today minded and enjoy to the fullest
the company of those around us. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11)
(James 4:13-16) (Psalm 118:24)
Doing simple things like sitting together and reading
stories, singing songs or going for ice cream leave
good memories that last a lot longer than you may
think. Be encouraged to initiate a good memory cycle
by offering to do things with your family and friends
that are both enjoyable and will leave a good feeling
deep down in your hearts. (Nehemiah 8:10)
I hope you are challenged by this message to do all
you can to build memories that will fill your family's
hearts in the years to come.
NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN
For those who were there, it is a moment frozen in
time, never to be forgotten.
It was my father's 90th birthday, and 30 or so of us
had gathered at the Alzheimer's care center where he
lived to celebrate with him. He seemed unusually
bright and cheery as he was greeted, hugged and loved
by his wife, his brother, four of his eight children
and numerous grand- children and great-grand-children.
His brightest smile came when he saw his eldest
surviving son, Rick, for the first time in three
years. Although he couldn't articulate what he was
feeling, you could just see the flash of recognition
and feel the wave of emotion.
There were lots of photos, a couple of brief speeches,
a little entertainment and, of course, birthday cake
and ice cream. Dad seemed to enjoy it all --
especially the cake and ice cream.
Then, suddenly, it was time to go. No one was anxious
to leave -- least of all Dad -- but meal time at the
care center was fast approaching, and we needed to
clear the dining room. There was just time for one
more rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday to You."
"No -- wait," someone suggested. "Let's sing something
that Dad can sing with us."
On the surface, that seemed ludicrous. Although Dad
was quite alert through the event, coherent expression
from him was limited to two and three-word sentences:
"I'm fine," "How are you?" and "Oh, no." He couldn't
remember the names of those nearest and dearest to
him; asking him to participate in a sing-along was an
exercise in futility, wasn't it?
A different song was selected, one of Dad's favorites
from years gone by: "Let Me Call You Sweetheart." Just
the mention of the song was enough to evoke tender
feelings from those of us who remember the many times
it was sung at family gatherings and as a way of
passing the time during long family trips.
In my mind, I can still hear the melodic blending of
Dad's bold and brassy bass with Mom's rich alto
resonating in the old Impala as we musically made our
away across the California desert to visit family
members on the Coast.
All eyes were focused on Dad as we began singing:
"Let me call you Sweetheart, I'm in love with you."
His lips began forming the words of lyrics indelibly
etched somewhere in his mind.
"Let me hear you whisper that you love me, too."
His eyebrows arched. His eyes sparkled.
"Keep the love light burning in your eyes so blue."
I was kneeling close to him, and could hear him
singing. It wasn't the strong, vibrant voice that had
embarrassed me as it boomed out mercilessly in
countless church meetings through the years, but it
was unmistakably Dad's voice.
"Let me call you Sweetheart, I'm in love with you."
He smiled happily as we harmoniously reached the end
of the song. Tears moistened most eyes as we savored
the magic of the moment. For a few measures, at least,
Dad was Dad again, leading the family in singing one
of our old favorite songs.
I've thought about that moment a lot since then. There
is real power in the music of our lives. I'm not sure
I understand it, but there is something dramatic that
happens when words and melodies mingle in our minds.
It is burned into our consciousness. It becomes part
of who we are and what we think -- for good or ill --
freezing moments in time, never to be forgotten.
By Joseph Walker
Be encouraged to make special time to be with your
family and friends to enjoy this day that God has
given us. Life is precious and the moments that we
have been given are to be relished and made the best
of and should never be wasted. Take the initiative to
have a great day with those whom you love and build
memories that will bring smiles fifty years from now.
In Christ's Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry
http://www.Godswork.org
