By Pastor Mark Moreno

Creating Memories

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

One of the incredible perks of living in Colorado is the incredible landscapes. Today’s image captures a sight that I caught while driving up America’s Mountain: Pikes Peak. It is obvious that winter has taken a toll on the white trunked trees in the foreground, while the evergreens are doing just fine. The icy blue water fills out the image surrounded by a brown sandy shore.

As the title of our devotion suggests, this picture reminds me of the childhood nursery rhyme, “Over the River and Through the Woods”. The poem was published in Child’s book of poems, Flowers for Children, Volume 2, and was originally titled “The New-England Boy’s Song about Thanksgiving Day” written by Lydia Maria Child. It is all about some children going to their grandparents for Thanksgiving and the fun they will have.

What were your grandparents like? If you are blessed, you got to know all four of them! My grandpa Moreno passed away before I was born, but Grandma Moreno was a sweet and loving woman. Grandpa and Grandma Vincent were also great. I remember my grandpa smelled like chewing tobacco and arm wrestling us! Grandma was always cooking something up or reading to us. Those are among my most cherished memories.

Maybe you don’t have any memories or grandparents because that just isn’t how life worked out. That can sometimes sting! But there is actually good news: You can create that kind of memory for others! You may not even be a parent, much less married, but you can be loving and welcoming to others in your life. They could be relatives, or they could be neighbors and friends!

In Romans 12, we read:

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” 
Romans 12:9-13, English Standard Version

What a wonderful reminder that families come in all shapes and sizes and that we have a family in Christ! We are brothers and sisters, we are known, and we are loved. I am excited that you get to be part of such a great family and that there are moments to celebrate and enjoy! I am also thankful for that family in moments that are hard, and we need support. God be praised for His love in Jesus!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado