Memorabilia

My sister-in-law and her husband own a cozy home near Lake Ontario in upstate New York. It is an older house, but they have renovated and upgraded throughout their time of habitation. David and Brenda are very welcoming to family and friends hosting many in the spare bedrooms that lay adjacent on the upper level, on couches and floors in their family area, and even at times when company is plenty, in trailers in their backyard.

We have been privileged to stay with them on occasion, sometimes with four kids in tow, sometimes when just the two of us have come for a visit. One of the rooms open to guests is one they have named The Sports Room. Packed onto hanging shelves, in an old cupboard and on other pieces of furniture, and attached to the walls are many souvenirs, pictures, pennants, and other items primarily from David’s favorite sports teams. Neatly organized and visually appealing, this comfortable accommodation is a very interesting and inviting place to stay.

An encompassing term for such a collection is memorabilia. Memorabilia serve as reminders of special events, good times, and interesting information. They are collectibles and can include items that are of value, especially to those who are interested in the particular field or theme of the collection. Those who own such a compilation likely can give facts about most of the objects contained therein including dates and times and all the details of the circumstances surrounding their acquisition.

The root of the word memorabilia is, of course, the word memorable. The Sports Room reminded me of a collection all those who consider themselves believers in Jesus should have. It is not necessarily a physical assortment of keepsakes, but something that is stored in the heart and mind of the Lord’s followers: the recollection of all the great things God has done. The Lord speaks about ”remembering” many times in his Word. The fourth of God’s Ten Commandments instructs the people of Israel to “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy… On it you shall not do any work… You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm” (Deuteronomy 5:12a, 14b, 15a, ESV). And further in Deuteronomy, “And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not… You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is to this day” (Deuteronomy 8:2a-b, 18, ESV). As a response to the safe return of the Ark of the Covenant, David directs all to sing and praise the Lord, writing into song, “Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered” (Psalm 105:5, ESV). Isaiah encourages God’s people by stating, “I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love” (Isaiah 63:7, ESV). Remembering helps us to honor God, to walk in his ways, and to direct thanks and praise to him. It recalls how faithful God has been and brings confidence that just as he has held onto us and helped us in the past, he will continue to care and provide for us in the future. A collection of remembrances about what God has done is valuable beyond compare!

    A Rose for Nick
The Sports Room may hold even more importance in David and Brenda’s life now. David shared many of his sports experiences with his son, Nick, their only child, who went home to be with the Lord in March. The room serves as a reminder of many special events and good times. Even more important are the memories of all the great things God has done, including the day he reached into Nick’s heart and life and saved him. Recalling and reflecting on God’s faithfulness, goodness, love, and care in the past gives David and Brenda confidence that he will hold on to them and walk them through whatever they face in the future. This collection of remembrances surely is valuable beyond compare.

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