Fishing For Names
Don't worry. I still know my name and what day and year it is. I've been practicing for my annual physical. You know, when someone in the medical field asks questions, like day and year, to determine how my brain's aging, along with the rest of me.
Then there's the great weigh-in. And thanks to my sister-in-love Chris, I'm so ready for that one. Chris informed me of the following, through some unknown source: "The human body is 80% water. What a huge relief to find out I'm not fat, I'm flooded!" Well, how's that for some good news in the midst of all that is so troubling in our world!
For sure, not everything has an honest answer or clever response. And memory needs checkups. But partly, because we've been studying the Psalms in Community Bible Study, I'm thinking a lot about what I remember. It's so easy to focus on remembering past mistakes, problems and negative issues. But often, the Psalms challenge me to remember God's love, mercy and faithfulness. Which prompts me, like the Psalmist, to give thanks. And what a boost of encouragement to consider that God remembers me and you, not our sins.
As for me fishing for my name? Well, last Sunday, I couldn't find my name tag at church. We've got a new system that has a few bugs that need working out. The magnetic board has lost some of its personal magnetism. And so the name tags slip and slide around. Mine disappeared. I don't think it was intentional. I'll try again this Sunday and hope for the best.
Which isn't a bad way to live, actually. Hoping for the best, while enduring tough times. It helps to remember ways God's been faithful and loving in the past. Jot down a couple of those memories. Trust me, it gives perspective. Then, expect God to show up, but in unexpected ways to remind us that we're not alone. Remember, God knows us, even without name tags.
Speaking of names, today's my brother's birthday. So I called to sing, Happy Birthday" to surprise him. But as soon as Ralph picked up the phone, he started singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Then we both started laughing. I love that about him. And that he married Chris, who also sent me this tip. It seems that there's a Seniors' GPS. "It not only tells you how to get to your destination, it tells you why you wanted to go there in the first place."
So, enjoy fishing for reminders of God's faithfulness, love and kindness to you. I'll bet most will have names. Today, for me, one blessing is named Ralph Jensen.
10 Comments
Loved this!! I totally get it!! The psalms is such great study, isn’t it? I love that we are studying the same material!!! Happy Spring, dear friend!
❤️Marty
Fun to think we're in CBS together. You in Michigan and me in Massachusetts. What a great Bible study!! Happy Spring to you, my Faithful
Philodendron of a friend. Miss you!!
God must have a sense of humor as I don't want to consider where else you might have gotten yours! As soon as my wife or OTHER friends ask me, "if I remember?"---- I ask them what they like in their coffee; I am not taking the bait. However, I am in the midst of writing our department's last decade of history for our 50th anniversary and the memories are definitely meaningful. It reminds me of the song; Count Your Blessings see what God has done......" I enjoy this song except for the part where it says, "name them one by one." I know I still am your junior at 83, but my memories of you and Jud and your friendship with Marty and me are forever clear. Love, brother Dale
Well, there's a funny gene that runs in my family. I don't want to get too specific. Sounds like you have quite a project. Happy recollections. As to our friendship, the four of us have a long and wonderful history. So much for which to be grateful or to remember and laugh about. Thanks for the years and effort to stay connected. Distance never got in the way.
Thank you for this encouraging post. I needed this reminder that God is always with me in times of trials and blessings.
So grateful, dear Sharon, to offer some encouragement to you. We all need doses of hope and encouragement! For sure, you are not alone. God sees you, hears you and loves you.
Jan, I'm just about to speak at a women's retreat in Plymouth and was in need of some good humor (not the ice cream bar.) Thanks to you and Chris, I have it! I love your posts.
Chris is an ongoing gift to me and to our family. Happy to help you get a laugh at your retreat. Humor is so needed during these times. Blessings on your time with the women in Plymouth. You, also, dear Maggie, are a gift to me and to so many in this country....and in Norway!!
I've been thinking about you and many others since I received the most recent Gordon College magazine. I still have a tattered brown broad-brimmed hat which I used to wear on rainy days at Gordon, especially for soccer games and walks in the woods. I wear it now on rainy streets while walking with my dogs. There is a lot of Gordon in that hat. It is much better to grow old than merely to get old. God bless you. May you make many more annual appointments!
What a wonderful surprise to hear from you, dear James. Yes, it is better to grow old, than get old. May you wear our old hat with gratitude, good memories and
wise thoughts going on undernearth it. I'm grateful for Gordon College and so many good memories, which include you, as well.