Treasure The Important Things

I think senior year is spent looking forward... and looking back. Yep, lots of reflection. As I looked through photos of growing up, I realized an important lesson. 

Some of the most treasured time we spend here on earth will be the time we spent with family and loved ones.

As soon as I bought my first camera, I had an interest in taking pictures of flowers and still objects. Now there's nothing wrong with that - I love flowers! But as I looked through the pictures, I don't have a lot of memories tied to those flowers. I can't remember why I took a picture of that potato flower, or what the significance was of all the squash flower pictures that looked exactly the same.

The pictures that mean the most to me were the ones with my family - almost every picture jogged a memory - the time my brother and I "cleaned" out the whipped cream from the bowl, riding in the bucket of my Grandpa's tractor, our many trips, making food with my dad in the kitchen, sewing the doll with my mom... All these memories came rushing back with each picture.
 
How can we make these memories to be able to look back on later? I'd like to share with you three ways that have stood out to me this year:

1. Enjoy the Moment
As I prepared to walk across the stage, friends and family reminded me - "Enjoy the moment."

And they were so right! This is one of the most important ways we can make memories with our loved ones - by enjoying the moments as they come. It can be so easy to get caught up in the details, to make everything perfect, but the most important thing is to enjoy the time together.

No one will remember how the cookies were stacked. Or if the food is arranged in alphabetical order. But we will remember the times we laughed together, cried together, and spent time together.

"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it."

2. Treasure the memory
My parents have been so amazing with treasuring my memories growing up! Tons and tons of pictures! Videos (even if some of them were a little awkward... :D), and memorabilia all help remind me of the memories.

Now, to some, my memory collections may seem like clutter. (And sometimes I would agree...) But these different objects help remind me of the memory.

There are sp many ways to treasure memories though. Maybe you like to journal and write about the experience. Maybe you like to blog about the moment. Or maybe you collect souvenirs. 


But even more important than the cataloging of memories is their fondness. To tuck them away in your heart, to remember them and laugh about them with family is one of the most important ways to treasure your memories! 

"But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart."


3. Spend time with the people who matter most
We might enjoy the moment. We can treasure the memory. But the most important thing to remember is to spend time with those who matter most.

As I looked through the pictures, I treasure the time I spent with my family. The times I laughed with Caleb as we did our silly stunts. The time I spent with my parents. These memories I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

But maybe your family situation is challenging. Maybe you are struggling as you want to create the memory, but can't.

The most important memories are open to anyone regardless of their life situation. The memories made with Jesus.

The moment when He became my Lord. The times spent alone with Him. The moments He held me close in the storm.

These memories will never fade. I can treasure these memories forever.

"Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

I want to encourage you: take some time to look through old photos. Read through your journal. Pull out that memorabilia. Remember the moments you spent with loved ones, and your Savior. Then go make new memories. :)