A Box of Rembrance

A few days ago I got a box from my daughter, Sarah.  It was my belated Father’s day gift.  In side the box, there was another box covered with different kinds of stickers and three Charlie Brown comic strips. 

Inside that box, there was a Fathers day card along with the following items: A box of Peanut Butter Captain Crunch, a jar of peanut butter, a package of fireballs, a Hershey’s chocolate bar, 2 packages of butterscotch candy, one Slim Jim, a box of Ritz crackers, a package of Peppermint Patties, a box of Jolly Rancher freezer pops, a bag of pistachio nuts, a jar of Ovaltine—Classic Malt, and 2 Gift Cards one for Burger King and one for Dairy Queen.

I laughed the moment I opened the first box and I am still chuckling to myself as I remember the items.  The reason why I am still smiling and laughing is because every item probably has at least one story attached to it.

When I saw some items, I immediately remembered the story that went with it.  There were a couple of items that I looked at and wondered, “What in the world…”  But Robin was standing next to me confirming the obsession that I had.  There were some things that I remembered differently than Sarah and there were still other things that had little notes attached to it to remind me of something that I wish I could forget.  The reason why I’m delighted by this gift is because each item represents a memory, a story, a connection, a relationship, and has meaning to me.

When we gather around the communion table, even though we try to focus on Jesus on the cross, we might all have a different memory, but I think it’s okay.  The reason I say this is because of what Jesus says.  Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of ME.”

The sacraments, the memorial, the cross, the crucifixion, the sacrifice all points to a Person.  In fact, Jesus Himself said all Scripture points to Him (Luke 24:25-27, John 5:39).  What we think about and what we remember will be shaped by the connection we have with Him.