The Good ‘Ol Days
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 AMP
I have fond memories of breakfasts at my Mamaw’s table in that little old converted one room schoolhouse, that became my grandparents last home before they graduated to Heaven. In that tight space that became a kitchen, Mamaw would lovingly and patiently talk with her curious little grandson while masterfully making what were and are to this day the best eggs I have ever eaten. Those were the good ‘ol days.
Interesting, isn’t it, that we often reflect on events from our past and remember them as the best of times? As Mamaw and I would have those wonderful conversations that took us back, I would often ask were those the good ‘ol days (my words)? I was always struck by her answer that those days weren’t always good but Jesus was always good and always faithful. Is it possible that the stories that I had heard with much laughter and fond reflection weren’t always good?
Years ago, Holly Dunn penned the words to a song entitled “Daddy’s Hands” that have always resonated with me. A song about a complex dad held together in purpose and focus by a love that transcended the highs and lows of being human.
“I remember daddy’s hands folded silently in prayer
And reachin’ out to hold me, when I had a nightmare
You could read quite a story in the callous’ and lines
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind
I remember daddy’s hands how they held my mama tight
And patted my back for something done right
There are things that I’d forgotten that I loved about the man
But I’ll always remember the love in daddy’s hands
‘Daddy’s hands were soft and kind when I was cryin’
Daddy’s hands were hard as steel when I’d done wrong
Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle but I’ve come to understand
There was always love in daddy’s hands’
I remember daddy’s hands workin’ ’til they bled
Sacrificed unselfishly just to keep us all fed
If I could do things over, I’d live my life again
And never take for granted the love in daddy’s hands…
‘Refrain’ again…” (Holly Dunn, 1986)
Memories seem to fall into one of two categories. And of course this is overly simplified. We either remember and reflect on those days and years of our past as life mistakes and brokenness, or of a simpler time of joy and purity. Are our memories born out of sinful nature and/or forgiven hope? What I mean is that for many of us, we are stuck in this vortex of time that continues to replay itself, dragging us through memories of broken days gone by. Sinful nature. For others, memories are the catalysts that drive our future, now used as experiential knowledge that has prepared us for our future. Forgiven hope.
Where do you reside? Mamaw did not reflect on the hardscrabble life as a girl and woman of Appalachia whose life involved much abuse, loss of children, imprisonment of a son, hunger, financial destitution and persistent human failings. She reflected joy, gratitude and thankfulness. I don’t ever recall her saying to me, ‘honey, if only.’ I do vividly remember the continual affirmation from her that ‘God is so good’ and her absolute belief solidified by a lifetime of experience that ‘prayer is the greatest gift we have and at times, the only hope we can cling to.’
So, I am thankful for a Mamaw who loved me enough to teach me to be resilient. To not dwell on days gone by. To focus on the hope and future that is Jesus. To pray above all else and through all things. To immerse myself in God’s word.
I miss that little kitchen and those simple mornings with Mamaw. I walk in the knowledge and confidence that my past was only preparation for my future. I trust in the assurance that my sins are forgiven and my eternity is secured. I know one day I will see Mamaw again and be greeted by those sweet words, ‘good morning, honey.’
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west”. Psalm 103:12 NLT
Whatever your past, God has forgotten the moment you asked him to forgive. Your life experiences and good or bad ‘ol days are someone’s hope. Be radical and be transparent. That person you are concerned about impressing desperately needs the authenticity that is your life. You are Psalm 139:14!
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well” NIV
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