I didn’t realize this until recently but 2025 is an odd year of remembering for me. In September, I celebrated 10 years of ordained ministry. In October I celebrate 8 years of serving as your pastor. In November I’ll celebrate 20 years of being out of high school. And I also celebrate 16 years of being out of college and 12 years of being out of seminary and graduate school. This has also been 5 years of teaching EMT classes and 14 years of being an EMT. I don’t know why but I’m remembering and celebrating a lot of anniversaries this year. Oh yes…and 9 years of being married (Brady would KILL ME if I forgot that one).
Remembering can give you an odd feeling. Sometimes it’s a feeling of nostalgia. Sometimes it’s a feeling of being old(er) than you were. Sometimes there’s almost a sense of grief and sadness for what has happened is past and will never occur again.
The Bible is famous for remembering. In fact, a famous Psalm encourages us do exactly that:
“I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord;
I will remember your wonders of old.
I will meditate on all your work
and muse on your mighty deeds.”
(Psalm 77:11-12)
What are the deeds of the Lord that you call to mind? The resurrection of Jesus? The love of God in a time of need or darkness? The healing strength of Jesus to sustain and embrace you when you needed it most? The words of Scripture that reassured your faith?
What are the wonders of old that move you? Seeing a beautiful scene, a mountain, a beach? A dinner party that you hosted with friends and family? A special worship service?
Do you take time to reflect on these? Do you give thanks to God?
If you’re anything like me, you wonder, “How did I get here? Time has flown by!”
Sometimes we have to intentionally slow down and reflect on what God has done for us. It allows us to remember all those times God never left us alone and was always with us. Maybe the situation was small or maybe it was huge. But God was there.
I pray that we all remember this month what God has done and what God is still doing in us. God is ever faithful, even when we’re not and even when we don’t remember.
Offer this prayer to God this month: “Loving God, Thank you. Thank you for always being with me and leading me. Thank you for all the amazing things you have done and continue to do. I’m sorry that I’ve forgotten some of them but I thank you for them. May I continue to walk alongside you and serve you in Jesus’ name. Amen.”