“As we get older, we find it more difficult to forget things and less easy we find it to remember things” (Anonymous).
Of all the amazing things about our memories, one of the most amazing is their selectivity. Some things we remember, but others – in fact, most others – we forget. Who has ever been able to explain this difference? As Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “Memory is a net; when one takes it out of the stream one finds it full of fish; but a dozen miles of water flow through it without getting stuck.” But although so many things will inevitably be forgotten, there are still some things so important that we dare not forget them. And for that reason, reminders are an essential part of life.
But why is it so important to remember certain things? Well, give a little thought to this statement by Michel de Montaigne: “Memory is a wonderfully useful instrument, and without it judgment does its job with difficulty.” We need to remember certain things because without the memory of those things, our intelligence and judgment become impaired. Every day we live we are asked to make decisions based on our own judgment, and some of these decisions have deep consequences. If our brain cannot remember things from the past (both good and bad) that provide wisdom to our decision making, we will make mistakes in the decisions we face.
A journal is a good place to write down things you don’t want to forget: just bits and pieces of anything you know you need to remember to become more wise in the future. Another good place for reminders is a calendar. For example, I record on my calendar the days when any personally important event occurs, so that I can always go back and remember those days. There is a Chinese saying, “The best ink is better than the best memory.” So it’s a good idea to write down everything you need to remember.
Of course, the most valuable things to remember are the things that form the foundation of our character: Our principles. You might think that a person would never forget their principles, but the truth is that we often do – if we haven’t made provision to be reminded of them. So do whatever you need to do as a reminder to keep hold of yourself.
“remember who you are!” (Lewis Carroll).
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com AreYouaChristian.com
