THE BOTTOM OF THE BOX
repost from June 2011
I didn’t hang on too much in the way of keepsakes from my youth. I think that kinda happens naturally when a person is living “in the moment.” I don’t have any old yearbooks with all the writings from classmates. It didn’t mean that much to me just a
few years out of school, wish I had them now…
I didn’t keep track of pictures of old friends too well either, no way to ever get them back now. I didn’t even have the presence of mind to hang onto my first baseball mitt I wrote about a few weeks ago.
When a person is living life at warp speed and busy burning their candle at both ends, they can’t be slowed down by trivial things like the history of their life.
It’s a bit like that old Merle Haggard song, “- Rolling downhill like a snowball headed for hell.” (He actually said hail) — (I’m pretty sure he meant hell).
I read a post by Kathy over at http://katdish.net/ last week that got me thinking about things like this. If you want to be engaged mentally and read some great material I would highly recommend you check out http://katdish.net/.
Kat’s post was about a decision she and her husband made regarding their daughter and some toys she decided to give away and after having done so had second thoughts. Good for her.
It made me stop and consider our girls who appear to have the wisdom and intelligence of their mom, thank God. Of course women, in general, are better at this kind of stuff than men are anyway.
After thinking about the keepsakes from childhood that our daughters are protecting for the future, I thought about what I’ve protected in order to pass on to them someday… There isn’t much.
I do have one thing… I can’t take too much credit for it, I actually believe God had way more to do with it than me. It was a gift I got when I was eight years old. To be honest, I didn’t even think much of it after the initial “new” wore off of it.
Even when I was living life-like the devil’s right hand, I had it secure in my “light” travels. Call it reverence, fear, or just plain ole’ dumb luck, but I hung onto it when I didn’t anything else.
That gift was my first Bible…
I had no idea at the age of eight years old that it would be one of the best gifts I’d ever receive in this life. When I was tossing everything away including my life itself, I couldn’t toss or give away what I knew inherently could save it.
I’m sure most of us live with some regret to one degree or another. I regret not being a little more patient and diligent regarding old keepsakes.
In the midst of reflecting some of what I regret, I’m thankful that the one thing that could save my life and anyone else who might seek it; God’s Word, I saved across my lifetime.
Of all the things we cherish in this life and hang onto as memorials of our lives or the lives of loved ones, is there any more important than the word of God?
I mentioned on Katdish’s site that I was proud of our little one for hanging onto the stuffed animals she’s cherished since infancy, she’s more like my mom, which makes her a natural to hang onto things.
I can almost picture our little one opening up an old dusty box as her daughter leans against her arm, wide-eyed in anticipation.
As they open the old dusty box they marvel at the old treasures from her life; Bunny Bun, Grey Kitty, but most important is what the old stuffed animals cover. What’s at the bottom of the box…
As she lifts up the old ragged stuffed animals she reveals to her little one her most precious of keepsakes, her first leather Bible, the lavender with the purple cross is old and faded.
Under that is her dad’s.
Lincoln Parks
Thursday, August 30, 2012 @ 8:35 pm
You know Floyd this reminds me of something that I learned a few years ago that I am still not very good at and that is writing in a Journal. You will be amazed that if we write in our journals daily about our day. How about having a Journal for our kids, our significant other and family and friends. You will look back just two years and see all the thoughts you were thinking in those times. Its amazing that when living in the moment we miss out on some of the memories we create.
Floyd
Friday, August 31, 2012 @ 7:02 am
I hear you Lincoln. I do keep some notes in my Bible and a log of Bible studies where I write about my “actions.” I also think it helps us keep our heads clear and staying on track. Great point. Thanks man!
Ngina Otiende
Friday, August 31, 2012 @ 6:07 pm
It’s a great idea Lincoln. I think the challenge for most people (okay me 🙂 ) is sticking to it for the long haul (long haul being one week/month.year) I had a journal for God..noting down the prayers He’s answered and other amazing things He’s done. Not many entries though He continues to answer many prayers and be amazing. It’s amazing to just look back and read the story of our lives. Getting it to work can be powerful
Jay Cookingham
Friday, August 31, 2012 @ 5:24 am
Since I am a “keeper of history” and quite sentimental, I have many journals and mementos to pass on to my kids. It will be quite interesting to see (hope I can) how they react to these ramblings of their dad years from now.
Bless ya bro’!
Floyd
Friday, August 31, 2012 @ 7:03 am
Good for you Jay. Why am I not surprised! I also know your children will cherish the thoughts of their hero. Thanks Jay.
Ngina Otiende
Friday, August 31, 2012 @ 6:15 pm
I am not a keeper of things (to my husband’s chagrin – he is a real collector). I have plenty of writings from childhood but not much else. Although two years ago my brother did bring me a ‘gift’. My mom had moved to a new house and as my bros demolished the older house, they found an old tiny shoe 🙂 I must have around four or so. I treasure that little shoe. So maybe am not so un-sentimental…just dislike taking care of too many things 🙂
Floyd
Friday, August 31, 2012 @ 6:23 pm
I hear you Ngina. I’m sentimental in some ways, but clutter and boxes of what I have no idea what’s in them tends to make me crazy! When I’m cleaning things up, I find the garbage a little too convenient!
Hazel Moon
Friday, August 31, 2012 @ 10:54 pm
When i learned the books of the Bible, my mother rewarded me with my first Bible.
That Bible has kept me out of a lot of trouble, by reading a portion every night.
I tend to hond on to things. I do have a box with a few childhood keepsake in my closet. I must go through it as there are probably some good posts to write from it. Journals, NO – I never kept a diary or anything that might later incriminate me 🙂 Now I write it on my blog for all the world to see. 🙂
Floyd
Saturday, September 1, 2012 @ 7:40 am
Too funny Hazel. Maybe that’s why I didn’t hang onto the the things in my life either! I appreciate your blog, book, and input. Thank you.
Dan Black
Saturday, September 1, 2012 @ 10:18 am
I still have a Bible my friend gave me when I was first starting to move away from my old life style to serve God fully. I plan on keeping that for a long time. It has pen underlines and torn pages(especially in the book of James)and I still value the gift my friend gave me.
Floyd
Saturday, September 1, 2012 @ 4:36 pm
Isn’t it great how special the gift of God’s word is? I’m with you completely, there’s really nothing better. Thanks Dan.
Danelle
Saturday, September 1, 2012 @ 10:56 am
I have a box for each of my boys. I have placed little memories in plastic bags for them to peruse someday. This post though, such truth. His Word. . that is the treasure. So true. I know you have passed down a legacy of faith to your children Floyd. I know this. Your words here reveal your heart. 🙂
Floyd
Saturday, September 1, 2012 @ 4:38 pm
Thanks Danelle. I’m blessed that my kids didn’t have to be subject to me from those early days. Thanks for your always kind and lifting heart, your boys will be so blessed by it their entire lives.
Betty Draper
Saturday, September 1, 2012 @ 11:47 am
An update on my husband who has the first bible given to him by the lady who invited him to church where he got saved at 13. All throught the prodigal years that bible waitied for him since he never got rid of it. Like his bible God waited for him to return and this is the legacy he will leave his children. We may stray but God will move heaven and earth to draw us back for nothing seperates from the Him.
As I have written before our son is straying now but this latest health issue with Ace is speaking to him. On that note I want to let you know my brother Ace is getting better. All the test came back positive for malaria and he now is on an radial treatment to rid his liver of the parasite. So he remains in the hospital because his blood is not rid of them yet. But he is improving, no fevers for two days. Praise God…the enemy of our soul tried to shake us but the God of all said, I am not through with Ace yet on this earth. Thank you for the prayers. Our whole family has been impressed at the outpouring of love for us. Thanks you. Blessings
Floyd
Saturday, September 1, 2012 @ 4:44 pm
I’m so glad to hear that Betty! I’m honored to be part of that prayer sent up on Ace’s behalf. He sounds a bit like me perhaps. God allows us to go only so far. My hunch is that God used you to help bring your husband around and your son will come around to. God chose him, he won’t get far. I know he’s got a good heart, and I think it’s okay for your son to be strong willed man, God only calls the strongest of people, we all just take different paths to get to His will. God bless you and your family Betty. Thanks for sharing here with us. It is an honor.
jake
Sunday, September 2, 2012 @ 12:06 am
Floyd, my parents keep giving me stuff from my elementary days and the truth is that I want to throw it all away. I really don’t have the space for it right now, but I’ve been hanging onto it all, thinking that someday, I’ll want to reminisce, because I hear that’s popular later on in life 😉
Love things like this. They make me think about the future and how I should be considering it now….
Floyd
Sunday, September 2, 2012 @ 9:41 am
It’s good to hear from you, Jake. Yeah, if you can learn from others who’ve already made the mistakes it makes it easier… That was never one of my strong suits. Thanks man.
Joanne Norton
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 @ 5:13 pm
So much of this made real sense. I still have a couple things that were dropped onto me when I was young. They were a “God-gift” even though the givers didn’t have that in their own minds. God used it continue planting seed in me. And, I always smile when I realize you are sharing about your blog friends. You are a giver/blesser. Thanks much, Brother.
Floyd
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 @ 6:15 pm
God gives us things whether they were intended or not, I think. So appreciate your perspective, Joanne. Blessings to you to, my friend!