Creative Memories

 

Creative Memories

            The 9/11 Memorial Project, completed in 2011 stands as a reminder of the thousands who died in the attack on the World Trade Center.  It contains a museum, a park, a performing arts center, two large pools and the largest man-made waterfall in the world, but it is not the largest memorial ever created.

            The largest war memorial in the world, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Korean Conflict, is the Korean War Memorial.  Six indoor halls as well as outdoor displays of war artifacts create a massive structure, but the Korean War Memorial is not the largest monument ever created in memory of those who have died.

            The Holocaust memorial in Berlin covers almost five acres and consists entirely of concrete slabs commemorating the millions of Jews killed by the Nazi war machine.  As a silent testimony of man’s inhumanity to man, it evokes an emotional reaction almost too horrible to bear, but it is not the largest memorial in the world.

            The distinction of being the largest memorial in the world belongs to a magnificent complex constructed in memory of only one person, Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.  Begun in 1632, the Taj Mahal stands today as a visual, and very large, memory of the emperor’s love.

            You do not need to spend twenty years and millions of dollars to create a lasting memory like the Taj Mahal.   Creative Memories of those we love and admire can be accomplished in a variety of ways.

DARE to produce your own creative memories.

1.      Create a visual time line of the life of someone you know, perhaps a spouse or a child or a parent.  Collect still pictures and video clips, arranging them in chronological order as a single power point presentation.  Add an appropriate sound track, opening sequence, title and transitions.  Too often such a presentation is compiled only for a funeral.  Do it now so that everyone can enjoy the visual celebration of life together.

2.      Create a historical record of the community in which you live.  Collect old pictures from long-time residents and make copies, returning the originals to the owners.  Preserve original documents by storing them in plastic or in waterproof containers.  Contact your local librarian or city offices and request a safe place for storage of the archives which also allows for access to those looking for historical records.  Choose the best pictures and most interesting documents for a display board which can be used to advertise the existence of the archive.  On the board ask for donations of similar items to be added to the treasure trove of community history.

3.      Create memories for the future.  Obtain a small box or chest capable of protecting whatever you place inside.  Plan to prepare one box for each of your grandchildren to be opened on their 21^st birthday.  Place inside the box any or all of the following items:

A piece of jewelry you have treasured.

A love letter you received from your spouse when you were dating.

A written record of your personal testimony of salvation.

A video which you have prepared specifically for that child, telling of your love for them, your prayers for their future and the goals you would love to see them accomplish.

A craft or sewing item you have made personally.

A book which has been a great blessing in your life.

A copy of your life’s verse with an explanation of what it has meant to you in your spiritual journey.

A recipe for your favorite food.

A written record of your own memories of the day they were born.

4.      Take enough pictures on your next vacation so that you can prepare a printed memory of that event.   A number of online venues make it simple to assemble the pictures into a book which they will print for you at a minimum cost.  Write your own captions and share copies of the book with others who joined you on the adventure, or with those who were not able to take the journey with you.

5.      Compile a historical record of the lives of your parents.  Contact anyone who knew them at any stage of their lives and request written reminiscences.  Ask them to be specific with recollections like: how they met, what your mother wore at her wedding, what cars do they remember your father owning, and how did they decorate the nursery when you were a child.  If your parents are still living, by all means include them in your questions.  Ask people to remember the colors, smells, sounds and textures which surrounded them.  Try to account for where they lived in any given year, where they traveled and what salary they earned.  Keep everything organized so that you can follow their physical, spiritual and emotional growth from the very beginning right up to the present time.

6.      There may well be some memories you want to forget, especially if they are hindering your spiritual growth.  Paul wrote about “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13 NIV).  Not every memory needs to be treasured.  God has forgiven us in Jesus Christ, and that means we can forgive ourselves and become what He wants us to be.  We may not mentally forget the past, but we don’t need to dwell on former sins.  Preserve the best and discard the rest for the glory of God.