Help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept your correction.
Psalm 90:12 (TPT)
Considering my focus this year on forgetting the past and preserving into the future, I’ve hit a stumbling block. Now that I am going through all my possessions getting ready to move and at the same time sorting through pictures and memorabilia from my mom and dad, I question the benefit of holding on to the past.
When my father died and my brother was helping me pack up all my parents’ things, so Mom could move in with him, he made a comment about living in the present. There were mountains of stuff that they had held onto, and he didn’t want to put anyone through that again.
I, for one, wasn’t ready to get rid of all the history.
After my brother retired, he and his family moved with Mom, to Brazil, to be with my sister-in-law’s family. In the process, he shipped me everything he had pertaining to our family history.
Now I’m overwhelmed.
Especially in light of my attempts to live my year’s scripture: “I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead.” Phil. 3:13b (TPT)
Forgetting the past versus remembering where I came from? There has to be a balance. There has to be a way of holding onto the baby as you empty out the bath water.
That’s where I found the opening verse speaking to me. Our history, our photos, and our memories help us to number our days. They help us to remember that life is fleeting and that love endures.
I’m still overwhelmed and procrastinating sorting through everything, but I’ve reached out to my kids for help. One way or another it’s time to speak to the mountain.
“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
Matthew 17:20 (NLT)
I’m curious, how do you handle family history and memorabilia? What would you recommend? I would like to hear your thoughts.
Grace & Peace,
Sandy
The Far Reaches of Grace 
The struggle is real! A few years ago, I digitized most of the photos and documents in the family collection I received from my grandmother and gave thumb drives with the files to family members. As I was digitizing, I shared photos and family stories in a family Facebook group. I know I’ll have to part with the box of hard copies and mementos when I downsize. I did find a younger family member willing to take them then. But it will probably be one of the last things I part with. May God give you direction and peace with it!
Thanks Jill. That was helpful.