It was a blustery winter day. A priority mail package with a time-sensitive sticker lay at my door. I eyed it suspiciously, noticing it had come from the city of Redlands, where I grew up. Finally, I opened it, and the fragrance of Redlands’ famous fresh oranges wafted to my nose. I could remember the good. 

Inside, a note read:

Dear Brandie and family,

Greetings from Redlands, California. Surprise! Enjoy some of our liquid sunshine! … Good for a wintery day.

Love, Bert.

The Bad Memories

Bert’s simple act of kindness ministered to my heart. The memories I’d held onto from Redlands were sad ones. This is not to say no good memories were made in that place; I just hadn’t held much space for them. Thus, I had allowed the bad memories to overpower the good memories.

God had nudged me to remember the good memories of the city where I grew up. When I received the oranges, they felt like an invitation from God to let Him start pouring His warm, liquid sunshine over my cold, wintery memories.

The Good Memories

Remembering what God has done for us throughout our life is essential. Unfortunately, we are far more inclined to remember the bad, sad things that have happened. But we are supposed to remember the good. When we keep the memories of God’s work alive, the bad memories don’t claim us. Instead, our faith becomes strong, our love and gratitude for His involvement in our lives flourish, and our devotion to Him becomes unwavering.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph.

~Psalm 77:11-15 ESV

Is God sending you a similar priority mail invitation with a time-sensitive label sticker? God invites us to let Him pour His warm, liquid sunshine over some cold, wintery memories that have taken up too much space in our souls. Perhaps we can’t forget the bad memories, but we can make more space for the good ones. Pay attention to the extravagant, extraordinary kindness God displays in your life. Let Him do redemptive work in your heart to heal your soul’s broken places.

Think of some broken areas in your life that need God’s redemptive work.

Lord God, help me remember that You have always been available for me, and You’ve helped me make good memories amongst the bad. Therefore, I ask You to create in me a strong, flourishing faith and gratitude for who You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Remember the Good: Brandie J. Muncaster: All Rights Reserved