“The only thing that never changes about a home are the memories. Memories always last and they follow you anywhere. No matter where you go they will always be in your heart and walking beside you every day. Even if you don’t remember, they are still there.” Sophie F., 10 years old
Recently, my granddaughter, Sophie, shared the above thoughts with me during our devotional time. Deep for a 10-year old, I thought. I asked her where she had heard it and she said someone once told her that. She wasn’t sure, but thought her mommy told her, before she went to Heaven. I cried.
When Sophie shared her thoughts with me, we were talking about memories and change. It wasn’t too long ago that her playroom at my house became more of a bedroom for a big girl. The uncomfortable sofa bed she once slept on when she visited, was exchanged for a nice new bed and more comfortable mattress. Toys she had cherished at an earlier age, were organized and stored in storage containers. The change was very nice, but a bit unsettling for Sophie at first. She was not excited in the least to have a nice bedroom. Her toys were not in the same spot. It was a big change for her.
It seems that Sophie had been doing some pretty deep thinking about how best to adapt to the change brought about in her room. This little girl is wise beyond her years and has such a beautiful heart. She asked me to share her words, and so I am.
I hope Sophie’s wisdom encourages anyone who may be struggling with change in your life at this time. Rest assured that your Heavenly Father will give you His strength. He will help you adapt to the change you are experiencing. Even better, He will help you to flourish above all you could imagine! He’s just so good like that, and desires that you trust Him in every circumstance of your life. I hope you’ll do that today.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we lift our hands in praise to You today! You, alone, are worthy of honor and glory, forevermore! Thank You for remaining the same, yesterday, today, and forever. The fact that you do not change, gives us comfort. Change often comes into our lives when we least expect it. You know that quite often, we are creatures of habit and sometimes resist anything other than our normal routine. We are here to ask You to help us adapt to whatever change is needed in our lives. Today. Right now. Give us the kind of peace that only comes from You. Help us to lean upon the everlasting arms of Jesus, for it is in that place where we find safety and security. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
She’s a very wise girl. I especially like her comment about the memories still being there even when you don’t remember. Since my mom and many others in her family had Alzheimer’s, that’s comforting to think about. She didn’t know my name or that I was her daughter for her last 2 years, but she would still talk about “Jackie Dell” to me for part of that time. The memories were still there.
Thank you, Jackie. I’m sorry you went through the disease of Alzheimer’s with your mom. Yes, the memories were still there, even as she talked about you. It’s a cruel disease, in so many ways. We had a pastor friend who had Alzheimer’s. When all family members and friends became strangers to him, he continued to carry and read his Bible every day. And pray! He could still pray a wonderful Baptist prayer. Even Alzheimer’s didn’t take God’s Word and his communication with Him away. I find that amazing. God puts eternity in our hearts, minds, and souls. It’s up to us to seize upon it. God bless.