Precious Memories

It's another wet morning here in Spartanburg. As I looked at my Facebook memories this week, I was reminded that this kind of rain has become fairly common over the last couple of years.


While we are watching it continue to rain here in South Carolina, I have friends who are in the Holy Land. This morning they were praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. As I have been thinking about them this morning, I'm remembering previous trips to the Holy Land. (That's much more pleasant than thinking about this incessant rain!). I've particularly been remembering previous "last days" in Jerusalem. The last day of our trip typically begins with prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. We walk through the Kidron Valley and go to the House of Caiphas. We walk the Via Dolorosa and we end the day at the Garden Tomb.



Those are precious memories indeed! I came across this photo this morning. Al snapped it near the Garden Tomb on our last trip.

I remember that day well. I was tired. My feet hurt. It was the first day of what would end up as a very serious cold/sinus infection/ear infection. At the time, I was feeling pretty miserable. Even so, I would do it all again if I could! There is something so special and so precious about being there. About walking where Jesus walked. About celebrating the Lord's Supper there in the Garden near the empty tomb.



Those are wonderful memories. I know that my friends who are there in Israel today have made wonderful, lasting memories. I'm so glad they have had this opportunity. But I confess that I'm just a wee bit envious! Because no matter how many times I have traveled to Israel, my heart still has a longing to be there!



Memories are wonderful things. I'm so thankful that God has given us the gift of remembering. And for photographs that capture the memories! These are a few of my favorites:

 

 

In this season of my life, where many memories are lost to me,

how thankful I am for these memories!