Collections of Remembrance
by
Jeannine Sawall
"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all
my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."
Psalm 56:8 (NLT)
Years ago, we began a tradition of collecting ornaments to mark
special events and occasions in our family life. As babies were born,
first-year ornaments adorned the tree. School days, sports, instruments,
drivers’ licenses and currently, high school graduation ornaments commemorate
special days. Adding to these are ornaments from around the country and world,
reminding us of the travels we've had and the memories we've made. Our
collection is never complete.
It's become tradition for our family to unwrap these ornaments
together. I love to hear the boys "ooh and ahh" as they carefully
unveil each ornament and relive the memory. I LOVE that they remember. These
simple reminders of places we've been, fun times we've had, the glimpses of our
family history bring such joy. While I collect ornaments, I have friends who
collect spoons or patches, balls of yarn or crystal pieces. There's no end to
what someone can collect.
God collects tears. When I came across this verse, I wondered,
"Why would He collect tears?" As I pondered His unique
collection, I thought about the reasons behind our collections. We want to be
reminded. We want to remember where we've been. We want to remember what
milestones have passed. We want to remember special people who have gone before
us. Each piece of my collection represents one of those events/places/people.
And while God does not need to collect my tears to remember, He wants me to
know He remembers. Each tear I have shed in sorrow, He makes note of. Each tear
that falls, He tenderly collects it, so not one is forgotten or missed.
Whatever hurt or sorrow you are experiencing, take hope in the
fact that the one who loves you most is aware. He is aware you are hurting
and is grieving with you. He has not forgotten you but remembers you each
moment of each day. I love what 19th century clergyman and
author Phillip Brooks said:
"We talk about God remembering
us, as if it were a special effort. But if we could only know how truly we
belong to God, it would be different. God’s remembrance of us is the natural
claiming of our life by Him as true part of His own."
We can trust that He has not forgotten us. He is the one who
promises to wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). And until that day
comes, He continues to collect each tear that falls. Take comfort, dear ones,
the God of the universe remembers you!
GOING
DEEPER:
1) How can these verses encourage you to walk with hope, despite
times when tears fall?
2) Who do you know needs to be encouraged that God remembers
them?
FURTHER
READING:
Jeannine is married to Marty and is
a busy mother of four boys. She works in property management, serves in Café
and actively ministers to those walking through grief.
