Today is my sister’s “heavenly” birthday. I miss her so much, but I’m grateful to have such wonderful memories of her. So, we’re talking about memories today. I have good memories of other siblings, of my parents and other relatives too.

The good memories of family members who have left this earthly life and soared into the heavens lightens our sadness and thereby bring us joy and peace. I believe that God gave our brains the power to create memories to bring us joy and peace; thereby lifting the sadness we feel in missing them.

Yes, some memories have the potential to bring sadness because of the passing of loved ones. This is life on earth. Yes, some memories have the potential to bring regret but that’s because we live in a fallen world of mistakes. This too is life on earth.

The sadness we feel at times, or even those regretful thoughts, can be subdued by the Presence of God in our heart. All we have to do is to keep our eyes on Him; He will see us through these difficult times.

The greatest memory a person can have is of the day they received Jesus as Savior. I was six years old, and still remember the Bible lesson of Joseph, and the coat of many colors! God is good. The basic truth from Joseph is that we cannot live a life pleasing to God without trusting Him, regardless of the situation we find ourselves in. When we trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding and acknowledge Him, we will see that He is directing our paths (Proverbs 3:4-5).

I believe that memories are meant to remind us of God’s faithfulness so we will be encouraged to stay strong in our faith, and stay the course of the plan He has for our lives. Be sure to take time in your busy life to make good memories that will bring you joy and peace in the years to come.