“Remember when….?”
That was the phrase that dominated conversations I was
engaged in last weekend. Becky and I
attended my 40th Class Reunion at Hope College. 40 years!
I can’t believe how old some of my classmates looked! Of course many of us lied to one another
saying, “You haven’t changed a bit.” Not
only was it not true, but I was glad it wasn’t true.
Many of the “Remember
when…?”, stories among my friends were embarrassing today. We were young, immature, and taking advantage
of being away from home, out of our parents reach, for the first time. Some of us handled it well. Many of us didn’t.
There was a slide show of scenes from our college
years. Campus events, worship services,
choir performances, sports, and social gatherings. We laughed at the length of our hair and the
shortness of skirts. We really thought
we looked good at the time. Now, they
cause you to shake your head in bewilderment.
We gravitated toward the same people we had “hung with” in
college, each of us in our social groups.
Even that seemed odd now. The
barriers that existed between us in the early 70’s that seemed so important at
the time were wiped out over the years. What we had in common now is life experience. Rather than viewing life in college through
the windshield, we were looking in the rearview mirror. It changes things.
Some of the conversation turned to theology. “We’re
only still here by God’s grace.” (We
had done some things that could have been life threatening.) “Good thing God is merciful and will forgive
us.” (Some of our exploits didn’t honor
God at all.) “God loves us in spite of
our selves. (Phew!)
I loved college! We still stay in touch with many of our
college friends and get together with them whenever we are able. My college years were the most formative years of my life. I had a chance to mature in an environment
that gave me freedom with limits. I had
people in my life that loved me enough to hold me accountable for my emotional,
intellectual and spiritual growth. I was
challenged to take my faith in Christ more seriously and truly commit to
Jesus. I met the love of my life!
Not everyone is a reunion person. Even if you don’t attend your high school or
college reunions, it is good to periodically reflect on our lives. We can “remember
when…?” taking note of the journey that God has had us on and acknowledge
with thanksgiving His mercy, grace and love.
We are reminded that what we are engaged in now will matter in the
future.
God is never done with us!
That is something to celebrate.
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