Have you ever sat down and tried to clean up your iPhone of pictures and videos? Well I just did since my phone had 2000 plus pictures and videos on it! Yikes! I decided it was time to do some checking on what I needed to keep or delete. It took much longer than anticipated and about 2 1/2 hours later I said to myself it's time to get some other things accomplished. One thing happens when you go through pictures, a lot of memories come to the surface. Those memories either make you smile, laugh or cry. In the end I think no matter how they make you feel, memories are very good for us to think about as well as ponder. If a person has experienced a great catastrophe in life and blocked it out in order to survive, later it will have to come out or it will make the person ill. So as I went back over almost 4 years of pictures I realized thinking about the memories was good for me.
One of the most important reasons to have a good memory about things we've experienced is it usually helps us see what God has done for us. Recounting blessings is good because you forget how many good things you've enjoyed, anyway I can. I realized going through pictures how many celebrations I had with family and friends, since that is when you take pictures most. I also saw so many pictures of hikes done in beautiful scenic places, races run with friends and family (I happen to enjoy running), and taking care of my grandkids. The videos taken of grandkids made me laugh uproariously all by myself! Lots and lots of blessings! Remembering things also helps me not be afraid of the future as I recall God's constant care during hard and uncertain days and the decisions that needed to be made.
Recently I reflected on a study of Jesus imminent return by Anne Graham Lotz called "Expecting to see Jesus". It helped me think deeply about being ready for His return to earth. I admit the older I get the more anxious and excited I am to meet Jesus. As I shared some thoughts with other women, one young woman honestly stated, "I don't think I'm that excited about Jesus coming right away! I really want to get married first (she had a very serious boyfriend - and is now engaged)!! I have so much life that I still want to live!" she confessed.
My heart went out to her because I remember when I felt exactly the same! Like - Jesus could you just wait awhile longer till I marry and have a family?? This is not wrong to want to live, because that is a God given desire and a command from the beginning to multiply and fill the earth! On the other hand I also know, without a doubt, when we arrive in the new heaven and the new earth (which IS coming) we will laugh at our desire to stay in this life as what we will experience is SO much better! My favorite line in the Book is Revelation 21:4-5 "He (Jesus) will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away! He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Yes I'm definitely ready for that!!
A verse I memorized recently and encouraged others to do so, says it well,
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing!"
2 Timothy 4:8
All this said - you young sweet women who are living with expectancy of God's blessings coming your way - ENJOY the life God is giving you as you marry, have children, or serve God at work or at home! Jesus came to this world and died for us and rose again and is coming again! He did this so we could have life and have it to the full! John 10:10b This means NOW and forever -YES we are EXPECTED IN HEAVEN - because of Jesus.
