Do You Remember When?

Philippians 1:3

I thank my God for all the memories I have of you. (God's Word Translation)

When I was a little girl, I always rolled my eyes when I would hear adults talking and I would hear the words: "Remember when". But now that I'm an adult, I can fully appreciate those discussions. Perhaps because now, I actually have something that I can look back on to say "remember when!"

As I sat watching my two year old great nephew open his Christmas presents, all I had to do was close my eyes and I was transported back to the first Christmas after Mike and I started dating. Dana was the exact age that Liam is now, and I could still see the excitement on her face as she ripped open the wrapping paper.

We sat around the table eating breakfast casserole, the men talking football, the ladies talking about who might have the best after Christmas sales when a remote control car whizzed by my feet. I remembered the year that my brother got a truck that ran until it hit a wall, bounced off and shot off in whatever direction it landed until it hit something else solid again. For some reason, mom never could find the right kind of batteries again when those went dead.

The ham is in the oven and the house has begun to smell like old memories. My grandfather would sneak us maraschino cherries and let us drink the juice from the can of pineapple rings that he stuck on the ham with toothpicks. Grandma stuffed the turkey, and there was always a piece of leftover cornbread for each of us that could be slathered in butter and eaten…while still having plenty for dressing. It was a little disappointing the year I realized that it wasn't accidental, but rather that she always baked extra for that very reason.

While talking to a friend earlier, I could hear what sounded like a houseful of children. Their laughter carrying across the phone lines some 2,000 miles away as they watched snowflakes coming from the sky. Growing up in Arkansas, there were only a handful of white Christmas's in my childhood. More often than not, it was warm enough for the cousins to play outside. Shooting basketballs, riding big wheels and taking turns on swing that was hung from the tree in the front yard.

I'm sitting on my Sister in law's patio watching the neighbor's children. Several boys are jumping on the trampoline. I notice a couple of girls who look 14 or so, sitting in lawn chairs on the balcony. Their feet are propped up on the railing and I have to smile. As we girls got older, we gave up sliding down the banister in favor of sitting on the edge of Grandma's front porch. We'd prop our feet up on the branches of the rose bushes, while discussing the things that were important in life. You know…like which Cassidy brother was cuter Shawn or Patrick. How unfair it was that even though we were thirteen, we still had to eat Christmas dinner at the kids table. And how we would never bring a single can of cranberry sauce into our house much less put it out and expect people to eat it!

We are all so scattered now, that I honestly can't remember the last time we were all together in one place. But while geography may separate us physically, but nothing can ever separate us in my heart. And rarely does a day go by that I don't thank God for having them in my life!

Today, I hope that you will look past the paper and the presents and the pies…and remember what sets this day apart from the other holidays. Christ's unconditional love for us caused him to leave the splendor of heaven to be born in a lowly stable to parents that weren't wealthy or prestigious. They were just ordinary people who showed extraordinary faith. People like you and I who loved each other and loved their family.

Then take a few minutes to put the verse in Philippians into action. Thank God for all those who make you heart fuller…just for being a part of your life.