Well today’s the day. The last day of 2012 before we turn the page into a new year. But I have to tell you. I’m not one for resolutions.
I’m not going to challenge us to make a list of ways we want to change or pounds we want to lose. Because let’s be honest. By January 12th the luster of the new year has grown dim and we’re slipping back into the 2012 version of ourselves. Because sheer will power is never enough to change a heart.
So instead of looking ahead with crazed-eye-determination, I like to take some time to look back over this past year…and remember.
Throughout the Bible God tells His people to “remember.” Remember what He’s done. Remember where they’ve been. Remember how He’s led. Because we as humans can too quickly forget.
So I’m starting what I hope will be a new tradition. I’m laying physical rocks of remembrance. (Well, the word “laying” is a bit strong. I’m putting rocks of remembrance into a jar.)
I bought a bag of river rocks and metallic markers at the craft store. And we’re going to write the year, our name, and something we want to remember from this past year on one or two of the rocks.
We’ll spend some time sharing with each other, and maybe cry a little as we think back, and then we’ll put the rocks in a jar to wait for next year’s rocks of remembrance. Until eventually the jar is full.
Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.
Deuteronomy 4:9
I’m not going to challenge us to look ahead. Not yet. I’m challenging us to take a quick look back over this past year and remember.
Maybe it’s been the best year of your life or maybe you’ve walked your absolute darkest days. Either way, I know there’s evidence of God’s faithfulness. Because He never forsakes His children.
Fill me, Lord…
What will you write on your rocks of remembrance for 2012?
Mine would say “Mrs. Fox” and “Janine.”
Remembering our new life as a married couple and Darius’ amazing mother.
I love that, Mrs. Fox.
I love the idea of writing the past down on rocks to help you remember…it is not always easy to look back but valuable. I was diagnosed with ALS in March 2012, but when I look back over the past year I don’t see the news from the doctor I see how the Lord was walking with me or carrying me through all the ups and downs. I believe that if we put every ounce of our faith in the Lord then we will be blessed when we do go through trials and tribulations….such good, joy, blessings can come from something that feels so awful or life shattering. I believe this is how we grow. My walk with the Lord is stronger now than ever before and looking back helps me to realize where I was then and where I am know…….my rocks would say, “blessings”, “faith”, and “love”.