At our afternoon tea to welcome our new minister, Paul, it was announced that two couples were about to celebrate their 40th and 45th Wedding Anniversaries. A widower friend sitting next to me said, “It would have been our Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday”. Had June been still alive we would have been celebrating our Sixtieth Anniversary this month. When I mentioned this to someone she said, “It is still your Diamond Anniversary!”
June died eleven and a half years ago and some of us know what it is like when anniversaries, birthdays and Christmases come around and our loved ones are no longer with us. I suppose the celebrations become commemorations. When these days come around we feel that the ones we lost are still with us. Of course we feel that at other times too. Memories of happy days are easily triggered.
But how long after our lives on this earth are over will we be remembered? Only as long as someone who has known us are still alive. In a hundred years time we will all be forgotten. But when our time comes, what sort of memories will we leave behind? How will people remember you and me?
Jesus gave us guidelines for living. If we try to follow those, we will leave behind, not only happy memories, but also an example to follow. We need help to live our lives to the full and that help is available if we ask for it. It’s as well to remember that what we sow we shall also reap.
So ends this month’s thought. Sorry if it has been rather sombre. Meanwhile, best wishes to those who soon have a birthday or anniversary to celebrate in the near future.
Bill Cox
Please note that views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Martin Way Methodist Church.