Sweet Memories ❤️

Around this time of year, many of us reflect back on past Christmases when we gathered with loved ones who are no longer with us. Because this is a normal time for memories to consume our hearts, we can sort of prepare and even brace ourselves for the flood of emotions.

Other times, those memories take us completely off guard. A song, a smell, a place, a spoken word, etc. can immediately take us back in time without any warning whatsoever.

I took this picture back in September.

The girls and I were up in town and decided to use up some Panera gift cards for lunch. When I stepped into the restaurant, without warning I was overcome with emotion. It took me completely by surprise.

My mind was flooded with memories of sitting in Panera Bread across from my sister, Naomi, and just talking…laughing…sharing…crying…and committing to pray for each other’s burdens. We didn’t do it very often. We lived 2 states away. But when we did, Panera Bread was our place.

Today, whether expected or unexpected, I’m thankful for sweet memories. ❤️

“The memory of the just is blessed…”
Proverbs 10:7

“True friendship implies mutual helpfulness. It is not all on one side; where such friendship is, there are always two shoulders under every burden. Friendship knows no limit in serving; it gives all, life itself, if need be. Its yearning is not to receive—but to give; not to be ministered unto—but to minister.”
~ J. R. Miller