Memories and reminders both have something to do with the past, but they are very different things. A memory recalls a fact or event. A reminder can point us to the future. Tying a string around your finger is a reminder. The string may have been tied in the past, but it reminds us to think about the reason for tying the string. It reminds us of something that is coming.
God pointed to the rainbow in the clouds as a reminder of His promise that there would never be another flood like the one in Noah’s time. God made that promise. Since He always remembers, the reminder was not for Him. We have a habit of forgetting. The rainbow is a reminder for us. It is a reminder that there is love and joy and promise even through the hardships in life. It is a reminder that the future can be better.
George Matheson was a man who distinguished himself through his intellect, graduating at the head of his class in classics, logic, and philosophy. One of his greatest challenges stemmed from a degenerative illness that left him totally blind by the age of 20. Twenty years later he wrote the famous hymn O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go. Though he had spent half his life sightless, the vision of the rainbow remained a special reminder to him of enduring joy in spite of hardships. When you have read these words, close your eyes and see the rainbow as Matheson would have.
O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow thru the rain,
and feel the promise is not vain,
that morn shall tearless be.
There will be reminders along the journey to the foot of the cross. Reminders of God’s love. Reminders of His promises. Reminders that God has purpose and blessing for you. They are more than memories. They are promises for today. Promises for the future. God’s promises are never in vain. Look for the reminders that God has placed for you to see. Find the joy and encouragement that God has for you.
Follow the Path!
CARadke
[Use with Peace in Promise, day 19 of A Labyrinth Pilgrimage]