A few days ago I challenged you to think of things which help you when something feels too big. Were you able to share some of your thoughts with family or friends? Did they tell you what helps them? It can be very helpful hearing what helps others as well as remembering how you’ve done other things that felt too big.
Have you every heard of tying a piece of string on your finger so that you won’t forget something? The problem is that the string might remind you not to forget something, but not tell you what that thing is! We’ve come a long way since tying strings on fingers. I think we are more likely to type reminders in our iPods and phones!
Remembering is something that God thinks is important too. In Deuteronomy 4:9 God tells the Israelites “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.”(NLT) God knows how easy it is to forget things, even important things. The Israelites knew the past with Noah and the Ark. They knew how God helped Abraham. They knew they were only there because God rescued them from Pharoah. He parted the Red Sea for them! Still people are people, and it is easy to forget when something you face feels big again. It’s even easy to forget why you aren’t suppose to do small things! God wants us to know who He is and what He has done. God wants us to know why He commands things. God wants us to know that we are not alone. When you’re alone, it is easy to be scared. When you are with others, you can be encouraged and learn from one another.
Can you think of ways to encourage one another? Things you can share to show others how you faced or learned something that was hard? While the Israelites had BIG things to remember, little things count too. Maybe, something you say will help someone else. Is your little brother afraid of jumping in a pool? Can you tell him what helped you to learn to do it? Can you remind him that dad is going to be right there to catch him?
“Remember to Remember to Remember” was a point made at a camp I attended. It seems like an awful lot remembering, but remembering is that important. Remembering helps us know where we’ve been as well as what God has promised for the future. This coming week we are going to learn more about the Israelites. Even after God commands them to remember, do you think they do?
Speaking of remembering, here are some final photo clues to where CJ is. All of these she has experienced in the last few weeks.
And, do you ever have to go to bed when it is dark out? If you were with CJ, you wouldn’t have to! This time of year the sun never sets there.
REMEMBER: It’s not too late to invite your friends to join us for Base Camp 2015: Joshua!