I just read a devotion from Grief Share Ministries, and in it a man was quoted as saying, "My first wife is a memory.  She'll always be a memory. She'll always be there:"

Now, I"m going to be honest.  The thought of being Tim's first wife doesn't exactly make me feel that great, but then again, once I'm in Heaven I guess I'll have very little say over what happens here and I think I'll be so happy that none of this earthly stuff will matter.

But that's not the part of this quote that I want to dwell on.

It's the reality that, sooner or later, we will all be someone's (and truthfully, more than just one "someone's") memory.

Imagine the memories of your life and the lives of those around you being stored up on mental flash drives. On this flash drive are good memories, bad memories, happy  memories, sad memories, frightening memories, comforting memories, hurtful memories, healing memories, and so much more.

As we go throughout our life, we are creating memories that in a sense are a "gift" to those around us.

Teachers-we will be part of our student's memories.  What kind of memories are we giving them to store up?

Parents-we will be part of our children's memories.  What kind of memories are we giving them to store up?

Grandparents-you will be part of your children's memories.  What kind of memories are you giving them to store up?

Children-we will be part of our parent's and grandparent's and teacher's memories.  What kind of memories are we giving them to store up?

Friends-we will be part of our friend's memories.  What kind of memories are we giving them to store up?

Neighbors-we will be part of our neighbor's memories.  What kind of memories are we giving them to store up?

Bosses-you will be part of your employees' memories.  What kind of memories are you giving them to store up?

And the list goes on and on and on.

It's humbling to think that today any of us could become a "memory."

Oh, Lord, help me live a life that leaves loving memories in the hearts of those around me- memories that ultimately point them to YOU.  Forgive me for the memories that don't.

2 Timothy 1:4-6 (The Message)

^3-4Every time I say your name in prayer-which is practically all the time-I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion.

^5-7That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith-and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed-keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.

Oh, that these words could be written to each of us!

Praying that today you are filling someone's "mental flash drive" with positive, loving, encouraging, happy memories,