“…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” –Philippians 4:8
Often the best memories come from the times when things didn’t go to plan. At least we’ll have a good story to tell! It’s the surprising, the unexpected, and the unusual encounters that stick in our minds.
While in the moment there may be disappointment or frustration, often these tales of mishap, adventure and resilience are part of the legacy that lives on. They are the memories that get told time and again.
Are these remembrances beautiful because they are shared with someone we love or is our connection to the person in the memory made because we had a divine appointment with beauty?
A connection through beauty is one of the gifts that the sacred ordinary has to offer to enrich our lives. A common experience gives us a shared language. A mutual core memory provides a certain intimacy.
It’s why a high school reunion or extended family Christmas celebration can transport us. Particular relationships forged through shared experience kindle the memories of a particular time and place. Of something special and beautiful.
Bring to mind, O God, sweet memories of beauty and connection today. Remind me of your provision, presence and providence through the remembrances stirred. Amen.
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
Comfort & Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent is available now! With readings to walk through the Advent and Christmas season, the weekly offerings in Comfort and Joy include a variety of devotional meditations and invitations to spiritual practices that help us slow down and savor this sacred season.
some comfort and joy 