November Gratitude: “Thank You, Lord, for Pleasant Memories!”
I mentioned in a recent post that I dubbed October as “Organizational October” and was tackling some long overdue organizational projects. Well, October has passed, but the organization theme continues at our house.
My husband caught the “bug,” and his office is now almost-unrecognizable-orderly. Five days before garbage pickup, the trash can was nearly full of excess clutter and at least a ream of shredded documents. Together, we flattened so many cardboard boxes that a special landfill recycling trip was necessary.
Ron’s enthusiasm motivated me to keep going, and I took on the daunting task of organizing table linens. I love nice tablecloths, napkins, placemats, and table runners, but the time had come when I needed to “bless with my excess.” Piece by piece, I asked three questions:
1) When was the last time you used this, and will you use it soon?
2) Do you really love it 70 percent?
3) Someday, when your daughters or granddaughters are going through your belongings, will they want this?
Several items belonged to my mother or grandmothers. As I asked the questions, not only was I dutifully filling up the lawn-sized garbage bag, but my heart was sensing a mixture of sadness and guilt—feelings I decided to explore.
During this exploration process, an idea occurred. Instead of feeling bogged down with legitimate but negative emotions, why not reframe my thoughts into memories of gratitude?
For over an hour, I recalled holiday dinners as a child, particularly at one aunt’s house when all the children were relegated to sit at the “kids’ table.” Oh, the silliness that went on at that table!
As I placed one of my mother’s tablecloths in the donation bag, I remembered Thanksgivings and Christmases past plus many family dinners Mom and Dad hosted. I loved how the table was always so beautiful. When I was younger, setting the table in accordance with instructions from our well-worn Betty Crocker cookbook was always my favorite task.
Memories matter!
In approximately 50-51 AD, the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to friends in Thessalonica after receiving an update about them. He wrote, “[Timothy] has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.” (1 Thessalonians 3:6)
Faith assures me that one of these days, I will see loved ones who have transitioned from their earthly homes and worn-out bodies to an eternal heavenly home where they are renewed and healthy.
Until that time, I am grateful for the gift of “pleasant memories.”
One of my favorite vacation stops was the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. While I realize this stock photo is poor quality, I imagine many will recall the iconic Rockwell painting which appeared in The Saturday Evening Post.
Blessings as you prepare for upcoming holiday events,
