Longer View

             It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. (Joshua 24:17)

 

            Yesterday was about the healing of memories. Today might be said to be about the stirring of memories. I remember that when I was little, I looked through encyclopedias, and – as I recall it – I told myself that when I grew up, I wanted to know about the animals, plants, gemstones, and other things whose pictures caught my eye. Since 2011, I’ve been learning to recognize the birds in my area, I’ve learned a little about gemstones for a job, and I’m learning about butterflies. My knowledge isn’t extensive, but within the last eleven years, I have done more to fulfill that child’s dreams than I did in the previous 40 years. Now, while I hope to continue learning about things, I am adding to that list things I want to learn to do.

            There was another time I wrote an essay about what happened that led me to where I am. I wish I could find it because I doubt I could recreate it, but here are a couple of items. Because I went to Penn State and was assigned to live on a floor with four other Karens, the woman who became my friend mistook me for a different Karen who took a survey that I didn’t. My major was astronomy at that point, and the Christian group she was part of happened to be meeting next door to the building where an astronomy open house was taking place. She convinced me to attend the first part of her meeting, go to the open house, and walk back with her, which led to my joining the Christian fellowship. This is the chain of events that God used to chide me about my  fears of taking the wrong “exits” in life.

            And, every now and again, I catch myself behaving differently than I did in years gone by – often better ways. While far from perfect, there are ways in which I think I have improved. My point in mentioning these things is not to pat myself on the back or impress you. Instead, I want to encourage you to think about what has happened in your life beyond just this past year.

            Are there ancient, vague memories of dreams and desires that have come true, or they seem possible? Do you remember either recent or old coincidences and chains of events or decisions that contributed to who you are, what you’re doing, or where you’ve come from or reached?

            Are there habits, things  you used to do, watch, read, or listen to that no longer hold the appeal they did?

            These are broad questions we would do well to answer – to remind ourselves of the progress made. The longer view helps when we get wrapped up in what isn’t happening now. It helps us see how God has directed and protected along the way.