Samuel Beckett, an Irish novelist and dramatist once remarked: “It is right that he too should have his little chronicle, his memories, his reason, and be able to recognize the good in the bad, the bad in the worst, and so grow gently old down all the unchanging days, and die one day like any other day, only shorter.” Philippians 1:3-5 reminds us: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
Experiences are defined as a practical contact with and observation of facts and events. They are incidents or chronicles that leave an impression on someone. Memories are regarded as something remembered from the past. Both, in application, can equally be considered good or bad. It is a realization that the two entirely separate encounters of experience and memories often go hand-in-hand, in so far as memories are only obtained from past experiences. Without an experience, it is impossible to create a memory of an event. Bad memories can be detrimental to health or happiness, but good memories conversely provide elation, disrupt negativity, and may steadfastly continue fondness and love.
Good memories can sometimes include a helpful healing constitution. In the case of death, it can allow a grieving process to temporarily be placed on hold, while the thoughts of happier times come to the fore. It allows an ethereal relationship to be maintained even when a loved one is no longer with us.
The processes of grief and sadness must be allowed to run their own course, to obstruct a natural coping strategy could prevent a forward progression from initializing, but the major stumbling blocks so frequently encountered from the loss of a close friend or loved one are eased along the way by the lighter and reflective past moments of time. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Chronicles in life can take many forms. Just like individual experiences or memories, they can also prompt both positive or negative reactions. They may remain with us permanently, or certainly, for a considerable period of time. Sometimes, they can affect forward progression and become a high wall that blocks any form of continuation. In severity, some are so badly affected by them, that life may freeze in its present state and a loss of perspective may be endured. This is where God can help to lead the way forward. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the walls and barriers of life can be broken down or crushed, and the pathway of life, re-opened.
However, although we can seek considerable help and guidance through our faith and trust, we should remember, not only to show gratitude, but be particularly wary of any future temptations that may entice disobedience, as this could be a sign of disrespect to God instead of appreciation. To go our own way in life, after seeking the benefits of God’s help, could have unwelcome, or even disastrous consequences. Judges 2:1-4 warns: “Now the angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bochim.
And he said, “I brought you up from Egypt and brought you into the land that I swore to give to your fathers. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done? So now I say, I will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.” As soon as the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the people of Israel, the people lifted up their voices and wept.”
On a lighter note, many adults may fondly remember the bedtime stories that they were told as youngsters. These are often regarded as covertly serving a useful purpose. It was a time to hear a favorite story or fairytale such as: “Goldilocks And The Three Bears,” or possibly, “Little Red Riding Hood.” Perhaps, for boys, a story was specifically created that became related to a special interest, such as trains, or aircraft. It was a time to relax before drifting off into slumber for a good night’s rest, in preparation for the deeds of the next day. Perhaps it was a time when the child would ask questions to ascertain a deeper understanding of the story’s real meaning, or possibly, an opportunity to express their own individual anguishes of life.
Questions and answers are important in any learning curve. They satisfy the elements of doubt or confirm truth and meaning. In deeply religious families, the bedtime story given may be based on a tale from the Bible. It is often considered a good grounding and introduction to God, and perpetuates a valuable experience for children. These often form the foundation stone or firm footing to a relationship with God at a future time.
Many stories or fairy tales often reflect an element of truth in their message. These missives can influence the critical thinking skills in a young person. Sometimes, the truth may not be apparent to the naked eye, but subtly hidden and only revealed by reading between the lines or asking questions. However, where bad characters are identified, as so often prevalent in fairy tales, they can serve as a warning of avoidance, which in itself becomes a marked experience that remains prominent in the mind of a child. This may subsequently be carried through to adulthood. It could be regarded like the Bible, as a special teaching to remember. The morals or mistakes portrayed, often reflect a distinct truth that can be associated and related to everyday life. Neil Bartlett, a British director and performance artist once remarked: “The stories we are told as children do, undoubtedly, mark us for life. They are often stories of dark and terrible things, and we are usually told them just before the lights are turned out and we are left alone; but we love them. We love them when we first hear them, and even when we are grown, and think we have forgotten them entirely, they never lose their power over us.”
Loving parents usually play a significant guiding role in a child’s upbringing. As one learns from their own childhood, so the same or similar guidance is often imparted to their own immediate offspring, and thus, perhaps onwards, for several generations to come. In disclosing specific guidance, the words: “When I was a child...” or “When I was your age...” may often be heard as a preliminary precursor to the forthcoming advice. Thus, the chronicles and memories of former years, yield not only an important, but structural part of life. Deuteronomy 32:7 reminds us: “Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.”
Amen.
