Don't Forget to Remember

Tonight is the eve of my birthday. For over twenty years I have had an unbroken tradition of writing a farewell letter on this night to my age.

It may sound corny, but there is a feeling of accomplishment to remember and summarize a year of one's life. This tradition both validates my experiences and, maybe in a sense, puts the year to rest.

Some years, I slip in pictures of trophies won. Other years, like with filing taxes, I list my losses. Every year, I have more blessings to mention than I have time, paper, or energy to mark.

God often told His people to remember, to write down what they had learned. He commanded the kings of Israel to write out a portion of the law before they began their rule. If they had obeyed, I wonder how different their history would have been. God is sovereign and knew they'd disobey; nevertheless, the prescription is still written for us to follow.

At the Jew's national birth into the land of Israel, God admonished:

Write [My law] on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates...—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:9,12a)

We are apt to forget not just God's law, but also His faithfulness; answers to prayer that at the time astounded us, now are a distant and vague memory.

Many passages in the Bible reminisce God's faithful dealings with His people:

I will remember the deeds of Yahweh; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles; You display Your power among the peoples.
With Your mighty arm You redeemed Your people...
Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters,
though Your footprints were not seen. (Psalm 77:11-15, 19)

Perhaps writing a letter to yourself seems too silly. How about to your son, daughter, niece, nephew, or a younger sibling? Write down what God has done for you and how He has amazed you by His grace. If they are children, seal it for them to read years from now after you are gone.

Point out His footprints in your life. Let's not let the stories of God's faithfulness die with us.

How has God been faithful to you this week, month, or year? I'd love to hear.