Remember...

Memories can be like time-machines for the soul. It's amazing that by jogging the memory we can feel such strong emotions, and revisit smells or taste. Sometimes being able to remember specific things about my childhood can be difficult at times. I often regret that I can't seem to remember more. These days now I would like to recall the special things that people or family have done in my life to admonish me as a child in hopes that I could too return the favor possibly or continue the same in my children or others. Some of the most fondest memories I do recall having as a child are those of sitting at the dinner table with the family at home discussing all sorts of things about life. Seeing my mom and dad interact with us or picking at one another which can readily be seen still today if you have the priveledge of knowing my parents. I have always known my mother to be one that wants unity in our home. I watched her contend for that no matter how difficult any of us made it, she still worked hard to achieve that. Sure as any family does, we were not void of contreversy or challenges. My father has always been a man who wanted us to push ourselves and set our minds to do something. If we were going to do it, then pursue it wholeheartily. As a boy I remember watching my parents take all the bills and put them on that same table that we would share meals together. One day came that those bills had surpassed the point of their natural ability to bear. I watched my Dad & Mom call upon the Lord to help them in a critical time in their lives and to be the source of provision for them. In prayer I heard my Dad  humble himself and openly acknowledge that they had overcommited, and made a mess of finances. I guess it sunk in that day for me that the burden of life had weighed heavy upon them. The Lord seemed to honor their prayer and vow that day. I watched over the next course of time as a young man my parents step out in faith and begin a business that the Lord muchly seemed to bless even to this day. This is a memory that years later has made a huge impact on my life and I will keep with me forever. I guess I learned that especially in times of desperation and critical moments for decisions, you need to call upon the Lord. You need to acknowledge your faults, and recognize your trespasses. How have you mis-stepped? Or went about in your own way without asking for the Lord's leading? These are ways that we should examine our hearts. The Bible says in James 1:5 "But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him." Of course there is more conditions to receiving that wisdom as you read further in that chapter but this is a promise for believers. In Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.