A Walk Down Memory Lane: Finding God in Small Places

✝️ Scripture References:
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." — Matthew 5:8
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." — John 10:27
“All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad.” — Psalm 45:8
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” — Psalm 34:8
"If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed." — Matthew 9:21
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” — Psalm 19:1

🌳 Remembering God’s Presence in Everyday Moments

Memories can be complicated. Some bring warmth and gratitude, while others stir up pain or longing. Yet even in the hardest ones, we can find God in small places, through people, using the five senses, and moments that remind us of His presence.

This week, I want to share five ways in which we can view our memories through the lens of faith, inspired by Blake Glosson’s “Fully Known, Fully Loved” blog, and how they help us glorify God.

1️⃣ Memories That Bring Gratitude

Some memories awaken a deep sense of thankfulness. I vividly recall summers with my cousin in our small town. We would bike to the city pool, the smell of lilacs along the gravel road filling my senses, and the chlorine-filled air at the pool, promising fun in the sun. Those sensory moments remind me of God providing rest, joy, and sunshine.

Even the smallest memories can whisper, “God was here.”

2️⃣ Memories That Spark Hope

In his blog, Glosson writes, “Our best moments in life are mere appetizers of what is to come.”

That truth reminds me of my grandma’s cooking, her homemade noodles drying on towels, the comforting aroma filling her farmhouse as she made her noodles and butterball soup, a German specialty. Her tender hands created more than food; they created love in everything she did.

God often uses family traditions to show us His love and point us toward heaven’s feast, the hope still to come.

3️⃣ Memories That Lead Us to Truth

It’s tempting to romanticize the past, but true reflection brings us closer to God’s truth.

When I think of my daddy, who passed away when I was eight, I picture him as perfect. But I know he, too, was human—redeemed by God's grace like all of us. Honest memories remind us that even the people we love most are part of God’s story of forgiveness and redemption. My siblings and I generally find many differences in what we remember about growing up, which makes for some interesting discussions.

Through reflection, the Holy Spirit helps us discern what is true, good, and worth holding on to.

4️⃣ Memories That Teach Us to Love Others

Some memories stir up old wounds or regrets. But when we surrender them to God, they can lead to healing and forgiveness.

At reunions or in moments of reflection of the past, we may recall people we once struggled with. Yet age and maturity help us see them differently. God grows our hearts so that past hurts become opportunities to show mercy, not bitterness. The old wounds may even be forgotten when we realize that people change over time.

Our memories can transform from walls to bridges when we choose forgiveness and compassion.

5️⃣ Memories That Deepen Our Love for God

Finally, remembering what God has done strengthens our devotion to Him. Glosson reminds us that remembering is central to our communion with God. Through preaching, singing, Scripture, and sacraments, we recall His promises.

I remember nights riding home from the Harless farm, the full moon lighting the sky as we sang songs at the top of our lungs from the back of the pickup truck. That moonlit ride filled my heart with awe for God’s creation and gratitude for His nearness.

God reveals His glory in our memories of nature, using the five senses to remind us that His light never fades, even in darkness.

⚓ Finding Hope Through Memory and Story

Our memories shape our faith by teaching us gratitude, truth, and love. They remind us that God’s presence has always been near, weaving joy through our stories.

My upcoming children’s book, And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope, tells of how God’s promises and precious memories carried me through loss. I pray it encourages families to look for the light that always returns. That is hope.

✨ I’m currently forming a Book Launch Team for my new book! If you join, you’ll receive a free Advance Reader Copy (ARC), access to behind-the-scenes videos, and chances to win prizes and giveaways. Stay tuned for the sign-up form—coming soon!

“Even in the darkest nights, light still returns.” 🌅

📖 Source

Glosson, B. (2022, April 28). Which memories should I dwell on? [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/4olwyTH