Unforgettable

Have I ever mentioned what a terrible memory I have? Maybe it slipped my mind. I bought all the vitamins that are supposed to help with memory, but I keep forgetting to take the little rascals. Most people remember either names or faces. Some really sharp cookies remember both. Most of the time I remember neither. It's so embarrassing. I've always wished that I had a photographic memory. Someone told me I actually do have one; it's just not developed. I always seem to be a few snaps short of a full roll.

My brain is such an interesting piece of contradictory gray matter. It struggles to find the right name file for most face files, but it zips an immediate neural message for every lunch date. All synapses are firing when there's good food involved.

It's funny that I never forget a lunch date. Come to think of it, I never forget any meal at all. Sometimes I remember meals that aren't even really supposed to be meals. But while I've faithfully made it to each meal, the last three days in a row, I've made it all the way to the end of the day without remembering to work out. I was supposed to spend at least a half hour each of those days on the elliptical machine (which looks sadly more like a spastical machine when I'm on it, but that's a topic for another day). I have a feeling I'll remember all too well that I forgot to exercise when I try to zip my jeans next week. Selective remembering.

I never want to be selective, however, about remembering the glorious things God has done. While it doesn't necessarily do much for my physical muscle, it's a great exercise for building obedience muscle. Deuteronomy 4:9 says, "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." (NIV)

These instructions from Moses to the people are instructions for us, too. Forgetting was easy for them and, sadly, it's still easy today. The Message puts verse 9 this way: "Just make sure you stay alert. Keep close watch over yourselves." Remembering the things He has done has a purifying effect on our lives. We need to "stay alert" and to "keep close watch" over the things in our lives that would distract us from what He wants us to do.

Meals, exercise programs and lots of those temporary things will come and go, but verse 23 says that we have to "Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord." I want to be careful to always remember the Name of my awesome God, even if I can't remember the name of my first cousin, "What's-His-Face."

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

email this message to a friend   |   DW Home

Rhonda Rhea writes for dozens of Christian publications and speaks at conferences and events across the country. You can find her newest books, Soup for the Soul--Tastes Just Like Chicken, and Amusing Grace, at your local Christian bookstore. Who Put the Cat in the Fridge--Serving Up Hope and Hilarity Family Style will be available in March. Rhonda's husband, Richie Rhea, is a pastor in Troy, Missouri. You can reach them through her Web site.