I woke this morning with a flood of memories filling my brain. I recalled how we met in high school and became great friends. I thought about the journey we’ve taken together for almost 60 years of marriage. I recollected three new lives coming from our union and a family that continues on. It was like an awakening that stirred so many wonderful times shared. I also couldn’t help but think about the arguments, the misunderstandings, the fears, the anxieties, the illnesses, the adventures, the risks. All of the things that make up a lifetime were coming at me like a string of Christmas tree lights. When you love someone, there can still be those magical moments which turn life into a cherished memory. No one can take that away from you. It’s buried in your subconscious and will come to the surfaces when you need it the most.

As we journey through this time on earth, God gives us those memories to remind us of a love that flourished. Each one of them is a token of your connection to one another. Every memory we make during a lifetime becomes a part of who we become. Our lives are filled with many emotions, but the main three are tears, joy and a lifetime of memories.  We cry and the tears ultimately dry.  We laugh and the smiles eventually fade from view.  The memories we create along the way will go on even when we have passed away.

As we press on, the challenges will change.  The problems may become lessened.  The conflicts aren’t as intense as you grow older.  You simply don’t have the energy to partake in them.  God is working on us until we draw our last breath.  He’s preparing us for the glory of paradise.  He is directing, counseling, nourishing and holding us tightly today so that we can be with Him forever in eternity. Everything that happens in this life has a purpose – even our memories, our tears and our laughter.