Meandering Down Memory Lane

Do you ever take a stroll down memory lane? 

This morning, with the power of the internet, I took a stroll down memory lane of my last 17 years.  Marked mostly by the churches I have served in one capacity or another, I rejoiced to see that each of these are growing communities of faith in which people's lives are touched, changed, and being innovative to create space for others to be encountered by the Resurrected One.

Some are most notable for their worship attendance and styles.  One is marked by their impact in the community through clinics, giving away over $1 million to the local needs. 

Yet what stats and websites don't show are the relationships of each place.  I have these fond memories of growing in faith, asking questions, my wedding and a host of other memories flooding in.  What has amazed me this morning is the reality of tangible love that each community expressed to me and my family.  In the midst of their large sizes, there are specific names that resound in my memory- Brian, the one who taught me integrity; Marty, the one who shared a compassionate Jesus; Artie, the one who taught me the value of a friend; Jason, the one who taught me perseverance; Mark, the one who taught me authentic love.

These are just a few for there are many on this list.  And I would imagine that there would be many on yours.  For the church is the Body of Christ in which we find mutual care and connection.  Just as I have these names implanted on my life, I hope that in serving and caring for others my name is implanted on theirs.  And this isn't for notoriety or pride, it is the culmination of doing life together.  We touch each others lives- sometimes purposely but most often unknowingly.

If you had to take a stroll down your memory lane, which names would be listed in the memory bank?  Which faces pop into your mind as you think of doing life together, of learning from others, and of mutual care?  Perhaps today is a day to grab a piece of paper and begin remembering- remembering the names of those that have shaped you but also those to whom you have helped shape.