Memory is such an important asset in our lives that we seldom consider its significance.  Everything from where we put our keys to whether or not we can remember to find our way home depends on this thing that we carry in our being.  Just this past week, I was spending time with one of our dear seniors who was struggling to remember some of the things we assume are obvious in our lives, and my heart went out to her as she groped in the darkness of her forgetfulness for the name of her son.  I was reminded of Job’s words to his friends, “For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; So that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty. (Job 6:14).  In a flash I saw my friend in despair, and in the next few moments, it was only kindness that restored her calm.  The smile on her face makes me forget the confusion of the moment.

My thoughts go to our journey through this past year.  Confusion has stalked every step, and there were times when our entire society had become de-anchored in an encroaching darkness.  Like my friend, we forget that God is our very present help in trouble, and sometimes we forget to call on Him by His name.  Then we hear His voice in the night, the kindness of a Friend.  I had it highlighted in my Bible, “Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8)  Like the disciples white-knuckling their way in a storm, it is His steadfast love that calms the waves and rebukes the winds.  It is He who makes us know the way we should go.  It is He to whom we lift up our soul. And the smile on His face makes us forget the confusion of the moment.