“Turning Points: Computer Crashes, Silence & Renewal” Parts 3 & 4
“Shoot
me straight, Doc. I can take it! Is it the love bug virus?” No,
it wasn’t but my computer was still broken and in the shop for at least five
days. “Five days! What would I do for five days?” I had a problem but
it wasn’t the computer. While looking to fill the time, I ran across a story
by Arthur Gordon about a doctor’s advise for overcoming bleak periods. I was
to find an isolated spot and follow the instructions on four slips of paper. The
first prescription was “Listen carefully.” Did you try it?
As
the hours passed, I slowly began to relax. Listening soon led to prayer and
prayer led to a quiet stillness and the comforting presence of God. At times,
there would be prompting to read a particular scripture or write a brief note.
“Listen carefully” was a reminder that even in this fast-paced environment,
God is still very much in control. “Come here and listen to me! I’ll pour
out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise.” (Proverbs 1:23)
By
now I was ready to open the doctor’s second prescription: “Try
reaching back.”
“Try
reaching back? For what?” On the desk is a photo album given by my two
children containing a few of their favorite pictures over the years. “Memories?
Is that what I’m supposed to reach back for?”
I flipped
the pages of the album slowly and began to sort through the stories behind each
precious photograph. The smile on my face reflected the warmth in my heart as I
paused to slowly reflect and remember. There were:
Ø
Baby
pictures… (my how they have grown).
Ø
Loving
moments with my spouse… (we don’t do this nearly often enough)!
Ø
Family
vacations, parties… (we all have them you know).
Ø
Silly
moments… (I try to forget).
Ø
Special
occasions… (priceless)!
Ø
Pets and
other things… (always a special part of our family).
Each picture
represented a new story to remember and enjoy. Each story represented golden
moments to savor and appreciate. Each golden moment became a treasure trove of
memories offering reassurance that I am a precious child of God, created for a
purpose… and that purpose is realized in the faces and the hearts of those I
have had the privilege to love and receive love in return.
At first, I
didn’t expect much help from the Bible because there were no photographs.
Wrong! Each book is full of God’s word pictures imploring us… to learn and
remember.
U
Genealogy lists serve as vivid
reminders of those people who went before us.
U
Stories illustrate the struggles
of real people valiantly striving to serve God.
U
Jesus poignant reminder to, “eat
this bread and drink this wine in remembrance of me.”
U
Chapter 11 of Hebrews represents
God’s photo album illustrating heroes of our faith.
My son, obey your father’s
commands and don’t neglect your mother’s teaching. Keep their words always
in your heart… Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep,
they will protect you. When you wake up in the morning, they will advise you.
For these commands and this teaching are lamps to light the way ahead of you. (Proverbs
6:20-23)
U
Reaching back helps you recall the teaching of
your family… of God.
U
Reaching back offers reassurance that your life
has meaning and a purpose.
U
Reaching back can be the spark, the charge that
can rekindle your fire.
This week, try reaching back into your own album of precious memories? I pray you will receive a spark to rekindle your fire. Also, read chapter 11 of Hebrews and catch a glimpse of God’s photo album of faith. Next week, I’ll share the doctor’s third of four prescriptions. I feel better. Do you?