Memories Of Faithfulness

I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.

Every time I see the painting on the wall between my living and dining rooms, I can’t help but smile.

In it, windswept clouds hover, suspended, over the tranquil waters of a lagoon. Trees along the shoreline are mirrored in the water’s surface; white and yellow flowers dot the edges of the canvas.

The painting is an exquisite portrayal of the lagoon at Big Bay on Madeline Island. A local artist used my photographs for inspiration, and her work perfectly encapsulates the peaceful beauty of one of my favorite places to visit. It reminds me of the dozens of times I’ve paused to gaze at this same view before descending weathered wooden steps to the sandy shoreline below.

While I love the painting, it’s not the artist’s skill or even the subject itself that truly matters—it’s what it represents. It’s the way it reminds me of a lifetime of memories stored in my heart: lazy days lying in the warmth of the sun, wading into the water, searching for sea glass, and building castles in the sand. It reminds me of roasting marshmallows on the beach and donning sweatshirts as the sun sets. I can’t look at it without imagining the shaking of dice or shuffling of cards as my family plays games. I remember noticing the bell-like birdsong on morning walks or holding my hair out of my face as the wind pummels it on the ferry ride to Bayfield and back. Seeing it takes me back to all the times I’ve spent celebrating my sister’s birthday, finding books and old records at the local church bazaar, and strolling down the main street with a dripping ice-cream cone from Grampa Tony’s in my hand.

Memories are wonderful. Even the hard ones—of challenges faced or loved ones lost—remind us of things we’ve learned. In the same way, our remembrances of what God has done in the past can give us the courage to face what lies ahead. Our memories of his faithfulness, mercy, and love can buoy us on hard days, giving us the hope we need to continue. When we consider all he has done, we are more likely to see our current circumstances positively.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Jot down memories of God’s faithfulness. Post them on your mirror as a visual reminder of what he has done.