This time of the year brings memories to my mind.

Some of them are from my retail days. January was always slower, but lots of prep for the coming spring and of course, Valentine’s day.

Then, when I began my work as a minister, January was the time I went to India. Many memories from each year flood my mind. Where did this reflection come from? Well, my photo app gives me memories, my FB page will post different things as well.

I am at the age that I can remember spending time looking through various photos with my mother and recalling when and where the picture was taken. If people were in the picture recalling them and how we knew them and interacted with them.

Memory is a powerful tool that God has given mankind. We use it all the time to function, to go about our day, to interact with other people, to do our jobs, and to recall past occasions and people.

Memories of all kinds will produce different feelings as we recall and maybe relate them to someone. That is good and right as well. Our past has shaped and molded us. One thing that we can choose is to not let our past define us.

Remember anything, but choose how you want to live now. One thing to always remember is the great love that God in Christ has shown us (See Romans 5:8). No other memory ought to have as much impact on our lives than remembering God’s love and how we choose to show our love back to Him.

That is the greatest thing to keep in mind.