For some reason I remember many of the things I did, or things that happened to me during my life. It’s been fun to hear from friends who were involved in some of these events after I have written about them on my blog. Many times the friend will say, “I didn’t remember that at all.” or “How do you remember all that?” To tell you truth I don’t know how or why I remember the things I remember. Really, many of the things that come to mind are just little events that for some reason have stuck in my mind. 

Sometimes I wish I didn’t keep many of the memories because they are memories of my hurting someone through my actions, or of me being hurt by someone’s actions. It can be a good thing to remember those times if we use them for change, but it can also be damaging if we continually use those memories to relive a painful time. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think about my four partners who lost money in the golf store. There’s nothing I can do about it now but I still go over the way it all went down, and think of ways that I could have lessened their loss. On the other hand I think about the relationships I had with all four of the partners before the store debacle and see the beauty of great friendships there.

Here’s the conclusion I have come to in terms of my extensive memory of my life, my relationships, my successes and my shortcomings. The Lord has blessed me richly, and He has helped me grow by allowing a few bad times to be scattered in among all the great times. He has also given me a platform, an opportunity to help others by using my life examples and experiences. I know each of you have had experiences that have helped mold you into the person you are today, so I want to encourage you to use them as a way to help others wherever, and whenever you can. If you are accomplished in woodworking, pass along those skills to someone who is interested in woodworking. I know I could continue listing examples but I expect you are smart enough to get my drift, so, as my ole friend Danny Young used to say, “Do what you do do best.” I believe by doing so you will be serving the Lord, by serving others. Cherish the good times, learn from bad times, and always be thankful that the Lord is in control, if you allow Him to be.

Humble yourselves in the site of the Lord and He will lift you up. James 4:10

Till next time,

Grump