My son looked at my full-sized (but not too big) Christmas tree covered with homemade ornaments from when he and his sister were kids, gift ornaments, and other ornaments with memories. For example, there are those that my husband brought into the marriage some 33 years ago that his old girlfriend had used when they were dating. I’m not one to hang on to things. I’ve been known to get rid of things and then regret it! I have found, however, that the longer I hold on to things the harder it is to part with them. The sentimental value grows! Like those ornaments that came from his girlfriend…I didn’t like it much when he brought them into the marriage, but as I have kept them over the years, they have turned into a funny tale.
My son looked at one ornament and said that it made him happy which, of course, made me happy!! That was the goal! He went on to tell me that he remembered making it with my grandma and gave me the background story to that particular character ornament. Basically, this particular tree, this year, covered with memory-filled ornaments flooded him with happy thoughts. My response was…
That is what memories are supposed to do!
Good memories should make you happy…they should not bring about a feeling of nostalgia in the sense of wishing you were still there in that place and time. Wanting to relive those memories literally can bring about a sadness that will steal joy from today. Rather, allow those fond memories to bring about a happy reflection of what once we had the privilege to partake that made us a better person as we reminisce and celebrate today.
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 NLT
To those who are grieving:
***Please, know that I am in no way trying to be insensitive to those who are grieving loss. I pray you find comfort this season in The Wonderful, The Counselor, The Wonderful Counselor…and that you will be able to make it to a place of fondly reminiscing.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 KJV
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 