I have a tiny jar that is filled with the black sand found on one of Maui's beaches. It reminds me of our 25th anniversary trip to Hawaii and the sweet time of rejuvenating our marriage. Many, many years ago, a friend gave me 3 large flat smooth stones. I keep those stones on a shelf as a reminder of a friendship from long ago and all the fun we had working together. 4 pennies wrapped in tissue paper, a pine cone, a tiny Japanese doll, an angel statue, photographs, these are all reminders of people and events in my life. And when asked where these things came from or why I keep them, I can tell the story.
"When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, "Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan from right where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight." So Joshua chose twelve men and gave them the Lord's instruction and Joshua gave them a reason for doing this. "...to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Joshua 4:1-7
The symbols and mementos I have in my home are reminders of things from the past, just like the stones that were laid in Joshua's time. What about remembering things desired or dreamed of for the future. Goals set that we don't want to forget about. I think it is also important to choose some symbols that will keep your dreams and goals for the future alive. My husband had a desire to learn to play the banjo when he retired. So he bought a banjo. That is a big goal so he chose a big symbol. And he didn't keep his banjo locked up and put away -- no -- it is sitting on a stand in his music room where he has seen it every day since we moved. For now it has been collecting dust, BUT, he has signed up for banjo lessons and very soon it will be dusted off and we will be enjoying banjo music. Seeing the symbol everyday kept his dream alive.
Dream of being a writer? Choose a fancy pen and keep it on your desk.
Is your goal to get your college degree? Print up a certificate with your name on it and post it where you will see it - maybe on the frig
Whatever you are dreaming of or aiming for be ever watchful for symbols you can use to keep those dreams and goals in front of you. It's good to take a moment to stop and really look at those symbols once in a while and remember. Revive that dream. Get excited all over again.
Your dreams and goals, your desires can be realized with God's help and in His perfect timing.
Remember them. Keep them alive.
"May He grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers." Psalm 20: 4 & 5
"Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him and He will help you." Psalm 37: 4 & 5
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him." Phil. 2:13
No comments:
Post a Comment