The word reminisce has a positive connotation, for it means to indulge in past memories that are deemed enjoyable. There are experiences we have encountered that should be memorable and ones we cherish for life.
There are occasions when I believe all of us should spend time alone with God reminiscing about the positive things of our past. It is an opportunity to disregard the hardships, trials, sadnesses, frustrations and troubles we encountered, and concentrate solely on the things that were enjoyable and fun. Reminisce on the times from the past that were exciting and caused you to laugh and rejoice. Some of the events and occurrences may have been very simple to others and us, but have so much meaning. Sometimes it may be necessary to go back to your old stomping grounds of your early years so that you may get a clear visual picture of the past within your mind. When we do so, it reminds us of how good God has been and how he keeps on blessing us.
My little home town of Potecasi, North Carolina may, by the standards of some, be a very depressing place today, but when reminiscing takes place, it was our dreamland. It was a place that caused us to have hope and look forward to a brighter future. It was a place where people loved and respected one another regardless of status and positions. It was a place where the church was central and provided hope to the hopeless. It was the true definition of community. That sense of community has been lost and is desperately needed today.
Just take a moment today and go back in time and reminisce about those wonderful experiences. If anything negative jumps out at you, start over again and go into a deep sense of thinking. Surely, there are some fond memories you wish to hold onto. Trust me, it will make you feel good about who you are and how far you have come in life. Ecclesiastes 7:14 reminds us that, “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other.” Today, I admonish you to think on those things that were good and made you happy. We are taught that, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
The word we are concentrating on is reminisce rather than reflecting, for when we reflect, it is inclusive of the good and the bad.
It may be that you had the most remarkable parents and family that anyone could ever have. If so, it should bring a smile to your face and a feeling of joy and peace. It may be the old home place you grew up in that brings back so many wonderful and fond memories. It may be the old school house where teachers really cared about you and were determined to teach you regardless of unwarranted challenges caused by others.
The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 46:9: “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” This verse reminds us of the deeds of God in our past. Some of us may be able to say, God kept us in our good and not so good times.
When thinking about the foods we raised on the farm in our gardens and ate, it causes me to laugh and marvel at how good they were, but also how simple it was at that time. A huge pot of navy beans with a sheet pan of biscuits and Kool- Aid for drink could take you into wonderland. Maybe the desserts that were homemade and so delicious, even now it brings a savory taste into your mouth while thinking about it. Deuteronomy 8:10-11 says, “When You have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God forth good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord.”
Give praises and thanks to our God for the good things we can reminisce about. Bless God and He will bless you!
Just my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
