WMA: Memories - Remembering Them and Making Them

By Cindy Allen

Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us. Once again, it looks a little different for our family this year since my mother-in-law passed away last spring. It makes me reflect over the years. How many times have we celebrated a first without a precious family member? However, we can’t be truly sad because we know they are celebrating with Jesus, not just during the holidays but every day!

As a family, we adapt. Our groups have gotten smaller. Our meeting times are more flexible as we incorporate different work schedules and spouses’ families. We change locations, but there is always a thread of consistency. My husband made his mom’s banana pudding for two family gatherings. I pulled out a sign that my parents had that read, “Santa, I Can Explain.” On the back is a 23-year-old handwritten note from my daddy’s last Christmas: “It is Cindy’s fault.” That is totally not true (no matter what my brother says), but it makes me smile every year I see it.

Some years, I go back to our little country church to watch their Christmas play. The memories flood back — my brother, my friends and I were wearing very similar costumes, our boys were walking the aisle with homemade drums, and they were “Playing their best for him.” Things are different, but the legacy of those before us is still there and still shining like the Christmas star to guide my path.

I wonder what my kids will incorporate into their Thanksgiving and Christmas because of me. It will probably not be some delicious dish they wish I were still around to make. Hopefully, there will be moments that they will be inspired to repeat. Memories that will cause them to stop and ponder not only my love but God’s love.

We are all handing down stuff to our people —words, actions, prejudices, and, yes, traditions. Remember in Joshua 4 when God told Joshua to have 12 men gather stones from the Jordan? God said the stones are to “serve as a sign among you.” He went on to say these stones would cause their children to ask questions and give them an opportunity to tell of the miracle workings of God.

What stones am I leaving for my family, friends, church and community? Are my stones pointing them to God? I know the true reason for the season. Am I doing things that will help others to realize it?

I can think back over the years of my life and see faces and remember the names of people who set me on a firm foundation of following and serving God. And our world today needs those people even more. Leaving a godly legacy takes intentionality, time and compassion. As we enter the busiest time of the year, let’s look for opportunities to pour into others. As the preacher often says, this message is probably for me more than anyone. But if we all make an effort, God will bless.

Prayer — “Thank you, Lord, for those who have helped me build my life on your foundation. You have blessed me abundantly, and I am the woman I am because of these godly people. Lord, allow me to be that same builder for my people. As I cross paths with those I love and with strangers, help me seek opportunities to shine your light. Help me live a life that honors you and impacts your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

• Scripture — Joshua 3 & 4; II Tim. 1:3-7; Deut. 6

• Response — As we go through the holiday season, let us look for ways to share God’s love with others. Invite Jesus into our celebrations and gatherings. The world doesn’t need more chocolate pie or Santa. It needs more Jesus.

— These articles are shared via the National WMA web page blog that can be accessed at nationalwma.org/blogs.