Memories

I've often been in awe of the effect that memories can have on our lives. Perhaps this is unique to myself, but I often seem to store only the good memories. Memories that uplift and encourage. It's been said that, "God gave us memories so we may have roses in the Decembers of our lives." I cannot underscore just how true that is. I remember I was watching conference. President Thomas S. Monson was giving one his articulate and uplifting talks when he quoted the above quote. I immediately rewound (thank goodness for TiVo) and jotted it down. I've always been fond of memories. All too oft I find myself remembering the good times of a not so distant past. These memories always serve to put a smile on my face. Sometimes, however, we forget some of the best of our memories. This only highlights the importance of keeping an up to date journal. Last night I was a bit down and needed something to uplift me. I began reading my old journal entries. I not only found myself laughing out loud, but also found myself with tears in my eyes. Happy tears though. It's always pleasant going back and seeing how much you've progressed. As you read journal entries from the past your more able to look at the situation with a much grander perspective, and in just about every case (at least for me) everything turned out wonderfully when I put my faith in my Heavenly Father. As simple as a lesson as that may seem, it's nonetheless important to be reminded from time to time. I've realized that some of the lowest times, times when it felt like the world was bearing it's weight on my shoulders, have often become my fondest of memories. It's times like these that have forced me to my knees, and ultimately grown me into the person I am today.