Memories are important to us. Some are deeply meaningful and we have to purpose to gather those memories, keep them and celebrate them. There is a Biblical precedent for memorials and being sure to reflect, reminisce and consider those important mile stones. This month of June held several such memorials for me.
JUNE 6th – First of all, my wedding anniversary marked 27th incredible years with my beautiful wife, Marina. We sat in a little Italian bistro in Brighton and drew on many memories together with thankful hearts. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been blessed and we have been together. And it’s always better when we’re together. So many adventures, countries, missions trips and memories we share. Marina is truly such a gift to my life and it has been such a joy to share this journey together.
JUNE 8th – Pentecost remembers the birthday of the church, looking back a couple of thousand years. The blessed experience of church life, though not perfect, has been a rich blessing in our lives as Christians. It serves as a spiritual provision for us all on our journey of faith through this world. Each grace filled brother and sister is a gift and a blessing.
JUNE 9th – My spiritual birthday fell on Wed June 9th, 1989, 36 years ago, when I stumbled into a little Bible study in Bromley, Kent. It all seemed a bit strange to me at first entrance, but as the gospel was unfolded for me, I responded with an open heart and my life has never been the same. So thankful for the day when Jesus came into my life.
JUNE 14th – A few days later, on the Friday following, I was at a small gathering in West Wickham, Kent. There was a guest speaker who asked the question if we would still be there, following The Lord in the years to come. He proposed we write down the date and meet back and connect on June 14th 5 years later. We have served in several different countries over the years, but we have always connected or spoken every June 14th since then and rejoiced in the faithfulness and grace of God.
JUNE 11th – This marks my Mum’s 101st birthday. She is a truly remarkable lady. We became Christians together in that same month, and we also baptised together, with my sister too, a few months later. She has lived an incredible life and been to so many countries and been a blessing to so many people. It was a joy to see her with my 3 children this week and honouring hr together, again drawing on memories and telling stories. These are the treasures in live worth gathering, the memories worth revisiting often.
