Memories

Memories are our cherished friends. Often even painful memories. We used to ride horses when I was young. Not fashionably, although my sister did ride 'professionally' at one point in her high school years, I never did. When I was very young 2, 3, 4? they called me 'grasshopper', because our pony (Wee Willie Snowball, a little Indian pinto pony from Canada--so someone said--) never went quite fast enough. Consequently, as I rode (bareback) I continually urged him on kicking constantly, and someone watching from the ground thought it looked like a....

I digress from the point--one day as we were being kids, my sister was riding the Morgan-Standard bred horse my Grandfather used as part of his team. During her bridle-less, saddle-less ride the horse decided to go his own way, and hopefully (for him) rid himself of his rider. Streaking under the low limbs of trees in the timber, my sister found it next to impossible to stop her mount. During his run for freedom they came to a spot where there were no trees. Taking advantage of the break (she was crouched low with her head along his neck) she shouted in his ear: STOP! Which he, thankfully did, just long enough for her to slide off before he took off running again.

I'm sure it was just as much a heart pounding experience for her as it was for those of us watching. It didn't last long, and there were only minor scrapes--except for one nasty gouge on her arm. There was no sense to tell adults--other than reprimanding us for being foolish enough to ride with a halter and a rope they would have nothing to add to the situation. She nursed the wound and it would have healed properly except...she continually picked at the spot pulling the scab off.

In the same manner, a bad memory can be a cherished memory. Rehashing harsh words, bad feelings, bad situations becomes habit forming.

Luke 11:24 The unclean spirit when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and finding none, he saith, I will turn back unto my house whence I came out. 25) And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26) Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more evil than himself; and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first.

Christians need to fill their lives with good. Sweeping and garnishing our minds and our hearts is like spring (or fall) house cleaning where we get rid of the dirt and clutter. Just like the man above, however, who should have put something good in its place but didn't and received the seven evil spirits back-- if we don't put something good in its place the dirt and clutter will creep back in-- often worse than before.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.