Rings of Memory

The poet and philosopher John O’Donohue says: In a strange way, nothing is ever lost or forgotten; everything that happens to us remains within us….The image in nature… that we can look at, is the tree; all the rings of memory enfold all the years of growing, blossoming, thirsting, thriving, dying… In a similar way, within the clay part of each soul, the rings of memory are there, and you can find them. 

Over the past few days, we’ve been reflecting on the gift of memory, and how it is true that a lot of the experiences that we have in the world are torn, broken, and hard. However, when we visit those places with compassion and with eyes of faith, we begin the process of healing and growth. 

In the Bible, over and over we are called to remember God’s hand at work in our lives in the past. 

In Deuteronomy 4:9, we read, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”

In Psalm 103:2, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits…

In Isaiah 46:9 it is written, “Remember the former things, those of long ago… I am God, and there is none like me.”

And in 2 Timothy, chapter 2:8, “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead… that is my gospel…”

Let us pray. We remember today, O God, how you have carried us through in the past. We remember the love and grace we’ve experienced over the years with friends and loved ones. Grant us the ability to look back with compassion even as we look forward in hope; through Jesus Christ. Amen.