There are timeless reasons to collect souvenirs. My mother’s spoon collection introduced me to her love of travel. Each one represented a National Park or favorite place she’d visited, including Niagara Falls, Yellowstone and Crater Lake National Parks.
The Importance of Collecting
Keepsakes preserve memories. They remind us of the good times we once had. One look and thoughts return to those familiar places worth remembering. My very first treasured collection dates back to growing up with irrigation ditches. I was fascinated by all the pretty rocks beneath the water. As an adult, I collected designer dolls with beautiful dresses. Then, in our RV traveling days, I bought souvenir magnets from travel adventures. Magnets are a great way to keep memorable places in mind, but small enough to not need much display space.
Years Counted in Caps
Baseball style caps tell a lot about my husband’s life. He’s quite a collection of them. The blue one from Paulina Lake, high in the Cascade Mountain range, reminds him of boyhood adventures of fishing and camping with his father. Later, he took his son and grandson back to this same place. The sky-blue cap from Paulina Lake is a treasure.
Others represent volunteer hours given to the community through charitable organizations. Often, he’d work alongside fellow Lions to slice onions, or flip those legendary Lion burgers, during the Fourth of July fairs. And the hours spent collecting eyeglasses, bottles, and newspapers to benefit the club’s goals. Helping the Elks Club prepare and deliver Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets left a good feeling behind. Needy families were blessed.
God’s Instructions
Finding ways to remember the past is not a new idea. God instructed the Israelite priests to do this as they crossed the Jordan on dry ground. They were not to forget what God had done for them. Remembering is more easily aroused when there is an object to fix our eyes upon.
Joshua 4:1-3, 20-24 . . . when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’” And those twelve stones which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up in Gilgal.
Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land’; for the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your od forever.”
Will We Also Tell the Stories?
Every life is a string of stories unfolding. Every souvenir a reminder to take to heart and also share. For the Lord’s instructions to Israel to influence our lives, we will also tell the stories of His goodness to us. Our family and friends will learn more about who we are, our hopes and dreams, our faith journey, and be introduced to the timeless value of remembering. For stories to survive time they must be retold.
Make It Personal
Every time I go to the refrigerator, my magnets make me happy. They are my treasures. Souvenirs are personal items based on individual interests. I know people who collect angels, or coins, or teddy bears, or postage stamps. Life is a long journey, but as we age what once held great meaning could be lost if out of sight. Will you retell your stories and inspire the spirit of wonder in your loved ones? Children will find fun in collecting pretty leaves, rocks, seashells, bugs, or wildflowers and dandelions to press between sheets of waxed paper. These are all found on nature walks. Collecting will cost time, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Simple adventures allot perfect opportunities to discover what interests them most.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for showing us the importance of memories. May we never forget the timeless value of remembering. As You did with the Israelites, remind us of who we are as Your children. Let us not forget Your goodness. May our souvenir collecting be a reminder of how Your grace is enough to carry us through whatever may come. Amen
Coaches Corner:
Is collecting mementos seems silly or if it’s a habit you’re ready to start and need a little nudge a Christ-centered relationship coach can help you explore why it might be an important step to take. The first 30-minute session is free. https://www.rebuildingfamilies.net/a-life-coach-wants-to-help-you-achieve-your-goals/
