It is through memory that we are able to reclaim much of our lives that we have long since written off by finding that in everything that has happened to us over the years God was offering us possibilities of new life and healing which, though we may have missed them at the time, we can still choose and be brought to life by and healed by all these years later.
Telling Secrets Frederick Buechner
OMG. . .In So Many Ways. . . Memory as redemption!
As an offering. Of healing.
Sometimes – often times – memory becomes a “woulda. . coulda. . .shoulda”
“If only” I had done this. “If only” I hadn’t done that. My whole life would have been different.
Maybe. Maybe not.
OMG. . .In So Many Ways. .Memory to reclaim much of our lives.
This hits me. Does it you? Perhaps because it’s a new way of dealing with all those times I wish I had done things differently. Those moments when I hurt someone. The choices that didn’t turn out so well. The road less traveled which definitely was the wrong path. Memory. Regrets.
But what if. . .what if. . .those memories are possibilities? Viewing through different lenses. A kaleidoscope of opportunities. Choosing to be healed. To be brought back to life. With God.
Isn’t that just like God? Continually offering a second, third, fourth chance. So I messed up. That’s what my memory declares. But NOT what God proclaims. I do not have to live in my memories with guilt or shame. Those memories can be a positive. If I allow that.
All these years later. Memories as a gift of a new beginning. Memories as a “Now I get it!” Memories as one big giant “Aha” moment.
OMG. ..In So Many Ways. . .Memory as redemption.
Thank you, Mr. Buechner!
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