I Remember...

In honor of my birthday this week, I’m taking a “walk down memory lane.” Celebrating a birthday provides a time for reviewing and remembering the past. I invite you to join me and perhaps become motivated to do the same and recall those memories that form your story.

My earliest memories come from being an only child, loved and “spoiled” by my parents. I faced challenging health issues at the age of nine, and because of the wonders of medical science, experienced a successful bone transplant. I remember learning to live with the physical scars that resulted from that surgery. I learned early that life has its frustrations, limitations and calls for adjustments and acceptance.

As a youngster, my Saturday mornings included watching “heroes” on the big screen of a local theater (in black and white!) They were cowboys like Hoot Gibson, Tom Mix, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers. They were the “good guys” who always took care of the “bad guys.” They modeled decency and the pursuit of what was noble and right.

My life was formed by both positive and negative experiences, but there were always those who helped me through the bad times. I discovered that one never has to journey through life alone. Many persons influential in my life are too numerous to mention in this brief writing. Among them are members of my home church (Grace Methodist, Newport News), pastors and youth counselors who became mentors for my faith formation. My call to ordained ministry came as a result of the seeds others planted. Professors and Christian educators provided building blocks for the foundation upon which to form my faith. I remember especially several pastors who became role models of the kind of pastor I wanted to become. I recall many “adult guarantors” who will remain in my memory forever, for their lives became a part of mine. I remember special friends who have shared my journey, through the peaks and valleys, and especially those who offered affirming and encouraging words, and those who didn’t give up on me when I was tempted to give up on myself.

I’m remembering the joy of the birth of my two children and the adventure of parenting which lasts a lifetime. I remember a time when what was broken in my life was renewed by love. I remember the joyous day when my grandson was born, and the day he was recognized as a child of God by being baptized Jacob Franklin. I am grateful that I can still remember all these things and many more, for to a degree, we are what we remember. In my remembering, I have discovered that I have been blessed with many “precious memories.”

Bob Hope is remembered as a comedian, actor, radio and television personality, and doing USO shows for military troops around the world. His signature song was “Thanks for the Memories.” In reflecting on my memories, I rejoin his song and say “thanks for the memories.” I am grateful for all of them. And I’m especially grateful to God for all of my “precious memories” that represent His means of grace.