Can't Remember?

It’s been decades since I lived at home. Too many to count, but at this time of year I can close my eyes and see my mom standing there, with her hands on her hips, saying; “There’s something missing.” It could have been while she was putting up the decorations that seemed to erupt from a half dozen old boxes in the far corner of the basement. Could have even come while she stood over the stove preparing this or that. Nutmeg, cinnamon?  It always seemed like she said it more often at Christmas after all the stores were closed on Christmas Eve. Luckily it never happened as we made sugar cookies in the shape of stars and bells and reindeers. After all, all we needed was flour, sugar, butter and a pinch of salt.

Come to think of it, this phenomenon must be a generational thing.  I recollect a time or two when I was standing there with my hands on my hips saying similar things like, “Something’s missing.” This forgetting stuff must be something we passed on to our kids. Just blame it on genetics. It happens when we think we have everything ready and then it hits us, a funny feeling in the back of our minds that tells us, we might have forgotten something. Don’t start talking about this being a seniors moment because whether we like it or not, it does not have an age requirement. It happens to everyone one of us no matter what age we are.

I can’t recall most of the things I have forgotten over my life. Mostly they were trivial things. Sometimes, not even worth remembering. Then there are . . . well, you know, wife’s birthday, anniversary. . . Here is something you might want to remember about forgetting. Do you remember what you forgot last week, or how about last year? No? Didn’t think so. Me neither. You might just remember that you forgot something. So here you have it, in almost all cases of forgetfulness, it’s not earth shattering or life changing. Unless you forgot to show up at your own wedding. But really, is it so terrible when you think you have forgotten the salt in the cookies and you add too much more...?

I don’t have to remind you this is Christmas, but here is something we used to say a lot in the last generation, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. Don’t worry and fret about forgetting. In the long run, it won’t matter. Well, except for one most important thing. Never forget that God loves you. John said it best, “For God so loved the world that He sent His only son, that whoever believes in Him will not die but have everlasting life.” That my friend is Christmas and our Third Sunday of Advent being all about God’s Love. Do you love Him back? Just asking.

Something to think about

Rob