Graduation: Symbols of the Past - Joshua 4:19-24

Model T, wind up telephones, 8-track tapes, and top-loading VCRs are symbols of the past.  They represented something that happened a long time ago.  Some of those have special meanings to people.  Some have never seen or maybe never heard of them.  However, the ones that did experience them can tell stories about how they impacted people's lives. 

 

 Don't know what year this ad came out, but you can now by VCRs for $2 at garage sales!

You, too, have symbols that represent your past.  As I mentioned yesterday, maybe it is that cap-and-gown from your alma mater that you are so proud of.  For many there is a lot of pride associated with a graduation.  That's where you put in time and effort.  That is where you made friends, possibly even met your mate.  You will have stories to share from these years after graduation.

Yesterday, we looked at Joshua and a time in the Israelites journey where they crossed over the Jordan on dry ground. On the other side, Joshua has them bring twelve stones to create an landmark that will signify to other people and other generations of what happened at this place.  It will signify how God had rescued them and brought them through this part of the journey.  Here are some applications to choose to use this week...

1. Tell of the Past ~ Take time to tell the generations that have gone on before you about your past.  Specifically, your kids or grandchildren.  Maybe there are moments that you may not have their full attention, but look for moments which you do have their attention, which you can share
2. Appreciate the Past ~ Victories and mistakes can all be appreciated to the point that, even with mistakes, you can appreciate the lessons you learned.  You can also appreciate what others went through in order to bring you to where you are today - biologically, technologically, and spiritually.
3. Create a Symbol ~ Plant a tree, take/hang a picture, or something else to produce a symbol which will indicate where you or your family have been so that you can remember it for the future.

The memory is strong, but it is stronger when it is associated with a picture or a landmark.  The more you tie a landmark or an object with a specific event, it will help hold the meaning to that event.  Also, make sure you share that with others so that they will also appreciate the memory.

Looking forward to sharing my past with my children...

Open Door: Subbing

Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to sub in our local high school. I love doing this because it gives me a purposeful opportunity to be in the environment of the kids of the community. I hear things that I don't normally hear. I see people who I rarely see. And the reverse happens in each instance.

On one such occasion, last week, I was subbing in what most know as "home economics" class. One class was the "Foods and Nutrition" class. This is a two period class, where they will later be cooking, so extra time is needed. I finished all of what was asked of me with about 25 minutes to go in the total time. I decided to ask about what I and/or our church could do to give kids something to do. It was a total off-guard question, so, needless-to-say, they had nothing immediate to share. I didn't leave the situation disappointed. I took it as God opening a door for me to talk to them. I told them that if they ever thought of anything, they would have an opportunity any time they saw me to share their thoughts with me. I returned to my seat and shortly thereafter a student came up and was asking me questions regarding some of the thoughts I had expressed. We had a good conversation and I expressed appreciation for him coming to me. I told him any other time he wanted to, I was always open.

God is good...all the time! He makes doors open when we least expect it!

I don't consider it a defeat...regardless, I still praise Him!

What has God been doing in your life?