Pastor Tim Howard
January 24, 2008
It was two o’clock on Saturday afternoon while I was having coffee and enjoying the spring weather. The phone rang and rang but I was too self-absorbed to answer it. I rationalized to myself that whoever was on the phone would call back if it were important. After the ringing stopped, a sigh of relief returned to me but then the ringing began all over again. This time I went to the phone even though I was a bit perturbed, and in the most kind and cordial voice I could muster up under the circumstances I said, “Hello, may I help you?” “Yes, this is the marriage coordinator and the wedding is about to begin. We were wondering where you are since you are the one performing the ceremony?” Instantly a chill went through my entire body. I felt nauseous and began to shake with anxiety. I had forgotten something very, very important to a young couple. Their wedding day! Thankfully I was able to arrive on schedule and the celebration was redeemed and filled with joy. I wish I could attribute that event to having a senior moment but I was only in my thirties. Forgetfulness affects people of all ages.
That incident happened many years ago but I have never forgotten the importance of our memory and what devastating things can happen when we forget. We may be able to laugh at certain things when we reminisce, but memory loss and forgetfulness has a sobering side as well. When people remember less and less as they age, they often become disoriented and make some bad decisions. People can take advantage of them and cause great pain if they choose to do so. I recall a time when my teenage son was mowing a few lawns to earn some extra income. At one home, an elderly gentleman who was battling Alzheimer’s disease paid him $20 as he arrived to begin the work. Half way through the project the man came out and tried to pay him again. When the job was finally finished, he once again asked my son how much he owed.
Stories like this are very sobering. Psalms 106 tells us another sobering story about God’s people when they forgot how good God was to them. They forgot he had rescued and restored them. They forgot his kind deeds and His words of wisdom. They were like the nine lepers in Luke 17 who forgot to give thanks for their healing. This memory loss caused them to stray and drift away from God. They experienced turmoil and great pain just because they didn’t remember.
How can you guard yourself from spiritual forgetfulness? Consider reading the Bible on a daily basis. It will remind you of God’s faithfulness. Develop lasting friendships because you might need someone to call you on a spring afternoon when you are self-absorbed and forgetful. Gather at one of the many churches throughout Kings County and be reminded of God’s love on a weekly basis.
Here are a few quotes you may want to remember throughout 2009.
Over-night success usually takes about 15 years.
Live beneath your means.
Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.
Take responsibility for every area of your life.
Your attitude is an odor or a fragrance.
The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. The grass is greener where you water it.
Success is not permanent, and failure is not final.
God is greater than any giant you may face.
