Recently, I posted an update on Facebook asking what my friends fondest childhood memories are. I think we focus so much on the negative in life when looking back that we tend to forget some of the great things that have happened in life. When I look back to my childhood I can remember beautiful sunny days playing in the yard, running around with our family dog, and our big old house we lived in with so much to explore. I loved to pretend I was making tea on the heater vents on the floor and serving it up to my dolls with lunch.
No one experiences only negative things, although many of us have had a lot of hard things happen. Yet, I guarantee if you focus real hard on the positive and good things that were a part of childhood you can find some good ones! I still love the rain hitting the windows in our older house we just purchased over a year ago, just like I loved the rain hitting the windows of the old house I began my early days in.
Replicating the good memories and living some of them out brings back peace and some childlike feelings like when we ran through the grass on Easter morning anticipating the events of the day! Close your eyes for just a few moments and find some childhood memories that were wonderful and see where you can find them or reenact them in your life today. Having a childlike spirit brings joy and carefree days in our lives.
The Bible teaches us to come to God with a childlike spirit. A sense of wonder and wide eyed innocence can not only enhance faith but bring a more fancy free feeling as we travel through life. Think of maybe doing some things you used to do when a child. Take a trip to the zoo, plan to travel to Disneyland, spend the day at the beach finding shells and letting the water chase you as you run through the sand.
Recreate meals that were served at family gatherings that were fun and enjoyable. In Biblical times, gathering for meals were considered to be a sacred time. They took time with their meals, prayed over them, and spent the rest of the evening dancing to music and playing like children. Somehow we have lost this in our society and we really need to bring it all back!
What happened to the days when the neighborhood got together for a block party, roped off the area, and shared a large buffet together with great food and conversation? This happens more rarely these days than in the past. Since when did we have to be so distant and separated? I remember summers riding go carts with the boys up the street and having water balloon fights on the grass.
These are the things that have made life worth living and worth remembering. These are the things that should be recreated in life. Children have a faith that is strong and innocent. Work toward that childlike faith and your relationship with God will even soar on eagles wings!
What memories will you recreate today? Think of all of the possibilities!
In laughter and joy,
Pastor Jenine Marie Howry
800-421-1765
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 