THE BREAD BASKET

For me, most anything can trigger an avalanche of memories! For example, I can never look at a gingerbread man without being reminded of my Grandma Brubaker, who made and meticulously decorated them every Christmas for us grandchildren. I can never think of the one room Sunnyside School without being reminded of the influence of Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Althouse, and Mrs. Ulrich on my grade school mind. I can never enjoy the smell of newly mown hay without being reminded of my growing up years on the farm. I can never think of the late W. Hartman Rice without being reminded of my coming to faith under his powerful preaching. I can never sing the hymn "Does Jesus Care?" without being reminded of my Grandpa Webber's funeral, even though his death occurred nearly forty years ago. I can never think of our oldest son's college years without being reminded of the slant of familiar handwriting on envelopes in those daysbefore e-mail.

Reminders are great things, and can be most invaluable to us! Undoubtedly Peter, whenever he heard a rooster crow, was painfully reminded of his denial of Christ. I'm sure that Miriam, whenever she thought of the Red Sea, was reminded of her brother's leadership and of God's deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Surely Jacob, as he limped through life, was reminded of an all-night physical and spiritual struggle with God. Undoubtedly people who saw Sarah were reminded that God can bring new life into a 90 year old womb. I'm sure that Jonah, whenever he thought of that big fish, was reminded of his three day ordeal in its belly. Undoubtedly whenever the townspeople saw Dorcas, they were reminded of resurrection power.

Reminders come tapping us on the shoulder regarding both good and bad experiences-both exhilarating and painful situations. Thank God for them!