Memory Lane

Remembering is a beautiful thing. When I look back on my life and remember the stories and laughter, the tears and pain, I am continually reminded of God’s presence with me in every second of my life. Today, as I carefully folded each piece of clothing and placed it in my suitcase in preparation for a mission trip, I had a memory moment. Memories of past mission trips, youth retreats, and other church events flooded over me in an unstoppable wave.

I remembered walking on the beach at sunrise with my friends, collecting the shells scattered all around us, and admiring the beauty of a live conch we found.

I remembered accidentally waking my roommates up at 4:30 in the morning, because I had set my alarm incorrectly.

I remembered a spontaneous worship service we had on the street one night. Though we only had one guitar and a couple pedestrians to help us sing, it may have been one of the most powerful worship experiences we had.

I remembered dropping a bucket of paint on a team leader while painting some shutters.

I remembered fireworks on the beach and listening to a missionary tell stories of the amazing things God had done.

I remembered how time and time again I was encouraged to be a world changer, told that I shouldn’t sell myself short, and lead by God to overcome fear and sickness for his glory.

Every memory shows God’s goodness, and the blessing he has showered on me. I cannot possibly thank him enough! In the next week, I will be making even more memories as I go out on mission, but for now, it is enough to be still and remember.