Join Me as I Reminisce

Today I’m hosting a favorite local gal and friend, Crystal Eutlser. Crystal is one of those gems who’s quick to lend a hand and who’s never met a stranger. She sees beauty in the simple things and she shares the love of Jesus through quiet acts of kindness. I’ll always treasure the leather planner she brought our son during one of his hospital stays many years ago.

“For those days ahead when you’re planning your future…” she wrote on the card that accompanied it.

A poignant and perfect gift.

Crystal, take it away!

***

As I watched the snow fall in the fading light last evening, my mind drifted. My grandmother used to call it reminiscing. 

The fall and winter seem to resurrect forgotten memories and refresh others. It’s a wonderful time of reflection. I suppose it’s the closing of yet another year that causes us to rehash our past. 

I recall holiday childhood memories–precious moments in time treasured forever in my heart and mind. I’m prompted to write these down.

Piles of scrapbook paper and supplies sit at the ready to become a time capsule of my life. I feel I have failed my children for not pasting and writing down each detail of their lives between a leather-bound cover. I am afraid moments will be forever lost because of my failure to record it. 

Isn’t it terrible how easily our minds wander from a delightful daydream state to pondering the would haves, should haves, could haves of the past? 

During this time of year more than any other, there are those who suffer from depression. Sadness overwhelms them. It’s easy to see how this happens. The stress of the holidays and this inherent year-end evaluation of one’s life slips into a hashing and rehashing of failures and longings. 

When I feel upended, I’m reminded of my dear, sweet grandmother. We called her Quinny. Quinny had less than a perfect life to say the least. She grew up during the Great Depression. She cared every day for her two younger siblings, cooked, cleaned and completed household chores by herself from the age of eight on.

As a young woman, Quinny carried water from a well, diapered babies, and re-wallpapered the family kitchen with newspaper every Saturday to rid it of the coal smoke stains. She lost her oldest daughter, Judy, when she died suddenly at the age of twenty-one. Judy left behind an infant only months younger than my grandmother’s littlest child. Quinny cared for her granddaughter alongside her own infant for several years. 

Sadly, when Judy’s father returned from his service overseas, he took his grandchild to California. California is a long way from Missouri. 

Despite everything she endured, my grandmother was an extremely happy person. She was even joyful.  She could have been bitter, but she radiated peace and contentment as she recalled these things to me during our time together.

Of course, she’d tell you that losing a daughter, followed by a beloved first grandchild, was the most difficult time in her life. However, she never dwelled on the negativity of it all. Instead, she recalled the lessons learned, the people met, and the moments shared.

Grandmother taught me that happiness is not an accident.

It’s a choice. 

She chose to see the things God gave her. The lessons He provided. She rested in the knowledge that He had a plan. 

Sure, she would tell you she made plenty of mistakes, and that life is hard, but she learned from the past, gleaned lessons, and moved on.

We’re told that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. His are higher than ours. My grandmother taught me to focus on the idea that God knows the whole picture. Each moment is just one piece of a bigger picture. 

So, as this holiday season ramps up and the snow flies and the end of the year screams toward us, hope in the One for whom the season celebrates. 

Love Him, trust Him, and choose to focus on the good. The lessons learned, the people met, the moments shared. 

Look forward to your future knowing God has a plan. 

I love the words of I Corinthians 2:9:

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 

I hope you find the peace that passes all understanding.

I hope you’re touched by unspeakable joy.

And I pray you feel the love of the Savior this season and always. 

******

What memory from your past communicates the love of Christ?

Do you record your loved ones’ reflections for future generations?

******

Crystal is a wife and a mother of three. She farms, gardens, bakes, and sees the beauty of life through a most interesting lens.

She’s a passionate teacher, prayer warrior, and friend.

Crystal and her family make their home in God’s country… the Ozarks!

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Happiness is not an accident. It’s a choice.  Other lessons I’ve learned: (Click to Tweet)

Holidays threatening to overwhelm? Stop by for a dose of encouragement! (Click to Tweet)

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Here’s to a great weekend and one that’s brimming with joy, hope, and love!

Blessings Always,