Whenever I come to the month of May I am always reminded that it is in this month that I celebrate my birthday and my wedding anniversary. This year I will turn 62 years old, or better yet young:)  and Gail and I will be have been married 34 years!!! WOW tremendous milestones I might say.

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was in the 4th grade playing tether ball on the school playground; remember that game. I also remember those carefree summer days when the most pressing thing I had to do was find that perfect rock in the desert. I remember the most difficult thing that came my way at that time was getting my homework and chores done. I also remember how good it was to have all my family, uncles, aunts and cousins around. My parents and almost all my uncles and aunts have since passed away as well as some of my cousins, but I fondly remember the many great times we had whenever we got together. Now here I am some 60 years later, trying to pay my bills and making sure I stay healthy so I can see another day; my how things quickly change don’t they.

I also remember the time when Gail and I first met over 35 years ago; it was at a Sunday school for adults. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. We slowly became friends, never thinking I would marry that beautiful girl but here we are 34 years later and still together. We shared so many beautiful memories during these past 34 years but let me make sure I say, as most marriages would admit, there were also some very difficult  times in those years. Trials, sicknesses, raising two children in a Christian way and learning to become one in our marriage were things we had to endure but the Lord was always so faithful to give us exactly what we needed to make it through those difficult times.

Paul says in Philippians 3:1-14 that he put no confidence in his flesh, though if anyone could it would be Paul. Paul went on to say that he considered all of his worldly credentials a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus as his Lord. Then Paul says that he hadn’t already taken hold of this Christian life but that he forgot what was behind and strained towards what lay ahead in the Lord. In saying that he forgot what was behind, Paul was speaking about his sinful life here but make sure that Paul never forgot the great and mighty things his Lord did for him; what say you.

As we grow older in life, remembering becomes more and more difficult, but there are some things that we must never forget. I am so glad the Lord doesn’t forget some things. David sang a song of thanks unto the Lord  in where he said in 1 Chronicles 16:15 “He, (the Lord) remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded, for a thousand generations.”  Yet there are some things that the Lord doesn’t remember, that He forgets. Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remember your sins no more.” Can anyone shout out a big Thank You Lord right about now?!?

 Psalm 77:11-12 “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds.”  David said in Psalm 63:6-7 “On my bed I remember You; I think of You through the night. Because You are my help, I will sing in the shadow of Your wings.”

I will always cherish the many fond memories of my childhood in my heart. The many beautiful moments of my 34 years of marriage are forever etched in my heart; to remember them always. But when I look at the past 36 years of walking with my Lord and Savior Jesus I see His hand print in every area of my life, how can I ever forget that.  They remind me of His help in times of trouble, they strengthen me.

What is it you remember the most;  that you cherish in your heart? I hope and pray that along with all the personal things of your life that you hold dear, the works and miracles of the Lord in your life will hold the highest place in your heart; never forget them!!!