Reminisce

This week I have cooked and baked more than usual. Something about the blending of savory ingredients into a casserole, the mixing and shaping of cookie dough into loving bites of home, or the elaborate preparation of a once-a-year meal sends me into a nostalgic euphoria that lingers well into days. And I bask in remembrance.

The funny thing is I never thought of reminiscence as anything but pleasing and leisurely until I just looked up the definition. The word "indulge" beamed at me like a gentle pulsating light. Indulgence just makes the action seem uncontrolled and even sinful. Isn't it? When the calendar draws nearer to a special holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas don't I pore over past menus and recipes smacking my lips at the sweet memories of culinary delights? Or when I think about the lazy hours spent outside sipping tea with the warm sun caressing my shoulders? Am I not indulging in something that seemed to feed and fill my spirit but, in the end, wouldn't last or sustain me? Allowing my thoughts to hearken back to glorious moments, even if were just moments ago, is not wrong in and of itself but wishing to return to those days or trying to recapture the joy of those experiences is silly and not going to happen. Instead I should be looking back with thanks for God's provision and mercy, knowing that He alone can feed and sustain my spirit.

My God, I thank You for the blessing of happiness shared and comforts enjoyed. Please forgive me for exalting moments and memories as greater than You intended and something to be sought after in place of communion with You. Fill the empty chalice of my heart with the living water of Your Word and let me feast on the bread of Your promises.

Glory