Remembering (11/14/2025)

November is a month for remembering: All Saints Day, All Souls Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving. This morning as I went from my porch time with the LORD to this computer, I passed through my family room where a simple box on my coffee table caught my eye. And it made me smile because it brought back so many memories.

My husband and I discovered Door County in the mid-90s. It became one of my favorite places; we made annual trips for decades. On one of our early trips together, one of the local artisans taught my husband how to chip carve. When we got home, he practiced for months. And then he decided it was time to make something. And he made this box for me. Whenever I spot it, my mind is filled with memories of our times together in Door County, of our years together, of his care for me, and of the many gifts he’s given me because he loves me. I can’t look at this box without smiling. It is one of my most treasured possessions.

Our memories are often our real treasures, populated by those we love, highlights of what is possible when one loves and is loved. There is no greater example of this than our Savior’s gift to us all when He loved us even though we were still sinners. The power of His love and His gift to us changed everything from that moment forward. And we remember. We remember how He loved us to His death. And we celebrate because we know that He is with us still. And we believe that we will see Him again. These words based on Marty Haugen’s lyrics are as true today as when he wrote them.

Memories aren’t just in our minds; they are in our hearts and souls. They tenderize us; they open us so that we ourselves might be more receptive and also more loving.

As we continue our journeys through this marvelous month of November, let us stop to remember those who have touched our lives and enriched them beginning with Christ.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.