Precious Memories...

It's interesting how three minutes of music can bring back a lifetime of memories...

This morning, as I was going about my morning chores and tasks, I put my tablet on it's base to charge. Just a few minutes later it got a little bit of charge built up, and automatically turned on only to play the last song that was on when the battery died. I listened for a few minutes, and then I changed it to an album of hymns... Precious Memories by Alan Jackson. As the familiar guitars and piano instrumental of "I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You" started playing, a lifetime of memories started flooding my mind. Funny how just a song, or a smell, or the sight of something can do that.

It immediately made me think of how I miss little country churches. I remembered being a kid sitting in church next to my Mamaw and Papaw for a Friday night singing. I remember the hymns so vividly. Back then, churchgoers used to sing with such enthusiasm and emotion! I can still hear the shouts of "Hallelujah", "Praise Him", and "Amen" as the believers in the pews lifted their arms to heaven and praised God. Man, I miss that.

As I stopped what I was doing and soaked in the music more memories continued to fill my mind. I started to miss my Papaw even more than usual. We're coming up on the anniversary of his home-going in about three months, and while it seems long ago, it also feels like yesterday. What I wouldn't give to call him and hear him answer the phone with a big, hearty "heeeeeeeeyyyyy baby!" again or to sit on the porch swing just talking about life again.

I can't wait for heaven and the reunions that will happen when I get there. I often wonder what it's like. What was the first thing he said when he saw Jesus? or his momma? his sibilings and friends? Does he keep a watch over our baby? Does he think of those of us left behind?

It's amazing how three minutes can bring back a lifetime of memories.

Miss you pap,

Kimberly