The other day, a friend forgot something and immediately said, "I guess I'm having a 'senior's moment'". As we age, our memories start to fail, and we can't recall even recent events as easily as before.

Some years ago, when I reached eighty years of age, my family held a party to mark the event. One of the guests, who is older than I am, surprised me by saying, "I have a gift for you."

Excitedly, I waited to find out what he was going to give me, when he said, "Welcome to the Club! Now, when you forget something, you no longer have to apologize!"

Having increasingly felt embarrassed at my failing memory, Wilf's welcome to the 80-year-old Club immediately made me feel better and has continued to do so over the years.

Even though we are trained to automatically remember basic things such as the day of the week, sometimes we fail.

A very bright, active lady came into our residence early one morning, causing us to comment that she had been out for a walk earlier than normal.

She explained that she had gone to church expecting to attend early morning mass, only to find the church locked up. Suddenly, she realized that it was Saturday, not Sunday!

We all joined in her hearty laugh, and for the next few days, we reminded her what day of the week it was.

While this teaching example was frivolous, when we are teaching young children by our example, it is vitally important.

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (KJV)

Our brains are very complex creations. From the time of conception, they are constantly growing and developing. All through life we try to remember facts and people.

How often we are forced to admit that we have forgotten something or someone. If it is something bad, it can be helpful to forget, but too often, a lapse of memory can cause problems, such as when it comes to examinations, the necessity to help someone, or even knowing where we are going.

But the greatest problem comes if we fail to remember to remain faithful in our spiritual lives. If we forget to put God first, to pray, to read our Bible, then our memory failure is serious indeed.

I take great comfort in this verse:

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is … a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (KJV)

How wonderful it is that God knows our intentions, even if we fail in our actions. It is essential that we be sincere in our love for Him.

While our memories may fail us increasingly as we age, may we each strive to be faithful in our love of and service to God.

Prayer: Dear Father, we love You and want to serve You faithfully. Help us to remember to do those things which You want us to do and to remember to refrain from activities that are wrong. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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