Memory Lane

In our house, we have many, many photographs of our children as they have grown up.  We had boxes of them in the basement until we finally spent hours putting the best into albums.  We have videotape of our early family – and some of the video is on media that I’m not even sure that we have the technology on which to play it back.  We have spent a lot of time capturing memories of the past, so that we can one day relive those moments.  I often wonder – “What about the people who lived before us who didn’t possess video or photo technology?  Were their lives any less fulfilled because they couldn’t consult a photo in order to remember a child’s birthday or a memorable family moment?”  In a way, Solomon gives us the answer.

“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot.  Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.  He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.”   — Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

Are we spending our precious time saving memories – or making them?  I have often reflected on this very thing as we strive to take as many pictures as possible during a family event.  Should we ignore the time spent in trying to capture and preserve memories in favor of focusing on the day that God has given us right now?  Solomon seems to indicate that a truly fulfilled life rarely has time for looking backward at what has already happened.  Perhaps capturing the memories is not so bad…but spending an excessive amount of time poring over photo albums and wishing for…something…is probably not best.  God has given us this moment.  How are we using it?