DEVOTION: Lost! And Sometimes Found! by Shirley Corder

Image courtesy of Tuomas_Lehtinen at FreeDigitalPhotos.

A few weeks ago, I came across a short poem which I just loved. Unfortunately, I can't give credit as it was an anonymous quote to start with. But here it is:

"A memory-challenged 52-year-old once wrote in his journal:

I’ve reached the age where once again I play hide-and seek.

My playmates aren’t the kids next door but facts I try to speak.

It irks me so to know I know a certain name or face,

But when I think I’m getting warm they’re gone without a trace.

So much of what I once recalled gets stuck inside my mind.

Like popcorn husks between my teeth, some thoughts get caught, I find.

But gratefully, it’s just a game. It’s not a total loss.

I’d do just fine if I could find a string of mental floss."

Don't you just love it?

I don't know about you, but I have certainly reached the same mental age as the poet. I live in a small two-bed-roomed apartment, and yet I spend a good portion of most days hunting for something I've lost. I've come to a startling conclusion: Things just don't stay where I put them!




Like keys. Anyone lost keys recently? And even more alarming, who has lost bank cards? Or identity documents? Did you ever find them?

My husband has just had surgery for cataracts. Please Lord it helps, as he's reached the stage where his current multi-focal glasses don't work for reading or close-up work. So if he needs to tighten a screw, off come the glasses. They are put wherever he happens to be. He then gets up and moves on to his next task, to realize he needs his glasses. Hmmm. Where are they?

And of course, he can't find them . . . because he doesn't have his glasses on!

Forgetfulness isn't only an age issue of course, but getting older sure doesn't help.

It is a common understanding that objects help us remember. We use object lessons in Church and Sunday School. Good teachers use objects to illustrate the lesson they're trying to get across to their pupils. Parents demonstrate rules and consequences by displaying visual aids. "Look at how high that tree is? You need to hold on very tightly, or better—don't climb it!"

God understands our poor memories, and that is why He often uses visual aids and tangible memory joggers. Surely, one of the greatest visual aids He has given us is that of the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion.

Having given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me." After supper, he did the same thing with the cup: "This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you. Each time you drink this cup, remember me" (1 Corinthians 11:24-25 The Message.)

Isn't it good to know that no matter what or who we forget, He will never forget us? And He's given us a means to always remember Him.

What memory aid helps you remember who or where you are? Please leave a comment below.

SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast of South Africa with her husband, Rob. She has recently embarked on a series of eBooks titled, Out of the Shadow. 

Book 1 is Naomi, Beloved Mother-in-Law and Book 2 is Eve, Mother of All. Coming soon ~ Miriam Part 1, Devoted Sister.


Books 1 & 2 are FREE from 3-6 March, and book 3, Miriam Part 1, Devoted Sister, is currently available on special for pre-order.

Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations for those facing cancer.

Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at  RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.