As we collectively take time to remember, often with a sense of nostalgia, it is interesting to note that is not in my images, memories, and emotions. The biggest blank space is reserved for those that acted with malice and intent of hurting me, especially professionally! Almost as if it was a blessing, I dimly see a face or two, sense their presence, but in the main there is nothing. I cannot remember the normal details such as their title, the possible reasons for their ugly behavior, or anything about their backgrounds. It is as if they are an example of the old curse; “Chop down his family tree so that nobody even remembers his name.” (Psalm 109.13)
Part of me is sad that a bit of their history has been lost. Beyond my selfish desire to learn from the events, it is as if life is reminding me that not everything I do will be remember. In fact, most of it will be forgotten by everyone except Divinity! Experience suggests that the time the memories last is correlated to how much love and compassion was experienced in the memory. Love and compassion endure, pain and cruelty fade.
As I turn to the present, I realize how many great memories can and should be treasured. As I reminded a friend about the different actions he had taken, I found myself wanting to make sure he knew how thankful I was. He pushed the comments aside as if they were nothing, but I knew that the truth in what I was saying was good for his soul.
With the chaos and pressures of the day calling me to attention, I find myself lingering, holding on to great memories with a thankful heart. It is the small things in a day that take us to beauty and wonder. They cannot be purchased or acquired. You cannot demand or insist that they are given or delivered. The wonderful reality of each memory is the manner in which they were given and received. In gift ranking, these are the best!
