“Sometimes memories sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks.”  Unknown

Happy Monday!

October is upon us! I saw a meme over the weekend that read:

“It’s fall in California! You know what that means! Nothing! … It’s still 97 degrees out.”

We’ve got our Pumpkin Spice Lattes ready. We know where the fall clothes are in the garage. And we’re thinking about butternut squash soup. The problem is that an Iced Mocha Frappuccino is the more appropriate drink. The thought of anything more than shorts and a light shirt is staggering. And butternut squash ice cream would be a better option. Lol! Fall preparations seem like distant memories at the moment.

I was thinking about memories recently and found it interesting that sometimes, the negative thoughts etched in our minds are easier to access than those of a more positive nature. As I surveyed my life, I had to be intentional about remembering what I’m grateful for and what has blessed me. Sometimes, the pain of past experiences seems so vivid, and we remember them intricately, while the pleasant memories can be elusive.

As I became more curious about memories, I began to open my mind to those times that have most impacted how I reason and the evolution of my decision-making skills. I wondered about various choices made and how my memories of specific conversations have informed them, how looks from individuals have changed them, and how assumptions from both me and others promoted or stopped them.

Many emotions flooded that time of pondering. Some tearful thoughts came to mind, but there were abundant, joyful thoughts of family and friends, events and celebrations, and stolen moments of simple pleasures. It was an interesting survey that left me wanting more, and I purposed to spend reflective time in the future engaged in the same activity. We benefit from reflective work, even when it’s complicated or frightening.

Sometimes, we need to reframe the experience:

Photo by Josh Hume. No copyright infringement intended.

Yes, sometimes memories sneak out in unusual ways. Sometimes, tears seem to cleanse us from the inside out, leaving us with a sense of relief and the will to continue reviewing whatever memories are akin to the battle we face. Other times, tears appear as joyful signs of wonderment and confirmation when we recall a season of happiness.

Sadly, some memories take their toll on our bodies when we choose to stuff feelings, try to avoid pain, or attempt to sidestep necessary actions that might very well be in our best interests. The symptoms of these memories can cause migraines, body aches and pains, stomach problems, and an overall lack of energy and enthusiasm for daily life. There are also instances when these unchecked memories can cause disease and chronic illness. In these cases, there’s wisdom in seeking the assistance of a medical or psychological professional to process through unhealed wounds and past or present hurts. Research has shown that chronic stress, for example, can manifest in severe physical symptoms. There’s no shame in contacting a qualified professional to help in such matters. It might even save us from serious mental or physical complications.

Scripture provides us with clues about memories:

In Esther 9:28, we learn that some memories “… should not perish among … descendants.”  In Job 18:17 and Psalm 9:6, we find that sometimes “… memories … perish.”  Psalm 145:7 talks about “the memory of … great goodness,” and in Proverbs 10:7, we learn that “… the memory of the righteous is blessed.”

Do memories sometimes sneak out of your eyes? It happens to me all the time, and I’ve come to understand that they’re there to show me an essential element that I may have missed, warn me, or sometimes just bless me with a new perspective on a ponderance that occupies my mind. Memories are relevant and vital and provide the guidance we need to navigate well.

Try to find time this week to do your own personal survey. Find a quiet place to sit, close your eyes, and allow the memories to flow as you recall the chronology of your life. If it gets too scary, acknowledge the thoughts and let them go. Then, try to move on to the next season. Allow both negative and positive thoughts to surface. Is there something in the negative that requires further action? Are the positive memories inspiring some new creativity? Have fun with the process. I’m here to help if you feel stuck or to celebrate with you when the revelations come!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda