There is something special about the memories that mothers hang on to for a lifetime. It is written twice about Mary, the mother of Jesus, that she “kept all these things ... in her heart” (Luke 2:19; 2:51). It was like she treasured this particular scene about Jesus, storing it up in her mind. The first instance was in regards to shepherds coming to see Jesus on the day he was born, and telling Mary, Joseph, and anyone else who would listen of what a host of angels told them about this Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11 NKJV). The second time is when Jesus was twelve years old, in Jerusalem, when Mary finds him sitting in the temple among the teachers. All who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers (Luke 2:47). This made a deep impression in Mary's memory. Years later, Mary was standing near the cross when Jesus was crucified (John 19:25). I wonder if these memories flooded her mind, along with what Simeon told her at the temple years ago, about a month after Jesus had been born. He talked about the child's destiny, and added, Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also (Luke 2:35).
A mother remembers those special moments in her child’s life; the days of joy and sorrow. When a mother shares those memories with her child, no matter how old the child is, he or she feels special and loved. We are thankful for mothers and for those who are like mothers in our lives. But there is someone who loves us more and remembers more about us than our mothers, and that is our heavenly Father. Jesus said, Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows (Luke 12:6-7). God knows everything about us! I wonder if after this life is over, that in heaven our holy Father might share His perfect memories of us working in His kingdom. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God (1 Corinthians 4:5).
It is sad that some sons and daughters do things that make for bad memories. The wise man wrote, A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother (Proverbs 10:1). The good news is that those who caused grief to others can repent, just like the prodigal son, whose father began to be merry (Luke 15:24) when he returned home. The sad lyrics to the old country song, "When You Leave That Way You Can Never Go Back" are false. Even if your family rejects you, God will embrace you if you seek Him with all your heart. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart - these, O God, You will not despise (Psalm 51:17; cf. James 4:6-10).
The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot (Proverbs 10:7). May your memory and mine be a blessing to God and our loved ones. God says it can be, if we are "righteous."
Brotherly, Jamie
