The Song Remembers When

I got a text from my friend Ashlie today, saying that she was listening to a song on KLOVE and it reminded her of a little girl we once taught. The little girl loved "Blessed Be the Name" and would sing it loud and proud whenever it played. I think of her every time I hear it too, and that was 6 or so years ago. I also think of Ashlie because after the little girl moved on to K5, every time we would hear the song she would say "aww, this reminds me of her!", just like she did again today!

I think it is amazing the way a scent...a taste...a picture...a sound...a feeling, can transport us back to a place in time in just a moment. It happens to me all the time. There are some things that I don't even remember why or how the two things relate, but the combination of memories and the present still collides. For example, when I am feeling uncomfortable or out of place, my mind conjures up memories of a preschool class and the thoughts of feeling "orange". All I can figure is that sometime during that year feelings were related to colors. I'm sure blue was sad, red was mad, and I have to assume that orange was "awkward" or something of the sort.

Not all times do I just go back in time to a place, a lot of times things just remind me of people. Such as, the friend Ashlie that I mentioned earlier, every time I eat mixed veggies or see Nesquik, I think of her and smile. When I see a sunflower, I think of Christy Lynn2, which in turn brings me back to so many great memories of my youth group. If I hear the song, "Tootsie Roll", I think of Amanda and her god awful dancing. I also think of Amanda when I see things spelled wrong (becuz i wuz hers best frend), when I hear Brown Eyed Girl, or when I snort. I think of my friend Melissa when I eat a blue Sweet Tart or a chicken pasta salad. I remember Dustin when I eat a blue snoball. The saying "Stranger things have happened" reminds me of Amy. Twila Paris and Coke reminds me of Laura. You get the idea. And I bet, if you want to know what makes me think of you, I could probably give you a list.

It is a mixed blessing to have a good memory. Unfortunately not all things bring me back to a good time, person, or place in my life. Now, however, I am learning to be grateful for those memories. To forgive, but not forget per say. All of my memories are a combination of what makes me, "me". And those "bad" memories, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" certainly fits those. It is good to remember it all; what God has brought me through, the fun and laughter in between, and the people who have left imprints on my heart throughout.