Barbara Streisand’s voice and Robert Redfords face arrive immediately. “The Way We Were; memories light the corners of my mind. Misty water-colored memories of the way we were.” The phrase “misty watered-colored.” Van Gogh painted in watercolors, and though being beautiful, do not give us a clear, crisp image.
That’s my point this morning. We all have memories, both good and bad. Memories, little films of the past that run through our minds at any given moment.
The power of the mind is a mighty force to keep under reign. We use memories to learn and grow. We use memories to navigate through our daily lives. We use memories to make future decisions. We use memories to bring back glimpses of those we’ve lost and miss so very much—many memories of seasons that make us smile.
While all the reasons above are the good of memories, there is the bad side. This is where the phrase “misty water-colored memories” comes into play. We cannot forget the bad, and they’ve gained in magnitude or more dangerous, yet we don’t allow ourselves to remember how bad they were, and the memories become minimized.
Distorting memories is one of Satan’s favorite tricks, his lies. He’ll whisper in your ear; It wasn’t that good. It was boring, remember? Do you remember how good it made you feel? It wasn’t all bad; don’t, you remember the good times! Don’t you wish you could go back? It’s a waste of your time; your spouse will never change just divorce and make life easier. Your pain is too big and will never end; just make it easier on yourself; suicide will end your problem.
1 Peter 5:8 NLT “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NCV “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
The next time a song comes on the radio and takes you back to another time and place, smile with the memory and let it drift on. The next time a memory wants you to remember a hurt, pray it off and move on. The next time a memory intends to fool you, shake it off, say a prayer, and walking on.
Memories, pictures of the past. Why not put them away and look at right now, find some good its always around and make a bright new memory. Enjoy yourself today; it’s fall and beautiful; go out and take some pictures! And, as always, Thank you for joining me. 🥰
Sunshine On My Shoulder 