What memories from the past bring you happiness and a feeling of being connected? This time of year, I remember the entire extended family coming together on the farm to gather sap to make maple syrup. For you it might be a song from your childhood, "Zippity Doo Dah," for example, or anything by the Beatles. Dozens of researchers around the world have been studying nostalgia. Their tests show it usually evokes a positive emotion.
In the "Science Times," John Tierney reports that couples feel closer and look happier when they're sharing nostalgic memories. On cold days, or in cold rooms, people use nostalgia to literally feel warmer. Researchers in the Netherlands found that listening to songs made people feel warmer physically. While church leaders have generally seen nostalgia as an albatross, a barrier to positive change for a growing congregation, what if it's power could be harnessed for good?
The power of nostalgia presents a unique opportunity for churches to be in those places, to be part of those memories. Church-initiated events such as Christmas carols, Sunday school camps and christenings are opportunities for churches to build happy memories into people's lives. - Billy Diehm
What happy experiences of God we are building into the memory banks of our community both Christians and non-Christians? In what ways can the local church be inserted as a unique part of the soundtrack of life? How can these memory jogs point them back to a loving Savior?
Nostalgia: A Powerful Tool. My prayer is that you are doing something as a Christian to build a God memory in the lives of non-Christians in your community this year. As parents, we need to be doing the same for our kids! Make some memories.
Pastor Milo
P.S. Something for those of you who are making memories building derby cars together with your kids this week.
'Twas the night before the derby, his car still needed lead,
He had done his very best, when his mom yelled "Get to bed!"
He climbed under his blanket, his car wasn't ready to race,
The derby was tomorrow, there was a frown upon his face.
Just as his eyes began to close, he heard a-something spin,
It was an adult shadow, come in to help him win!
As he peeked from under the covers, the grown-up started to drill,
To help his car gain speed, on its way on down the hill.
He splashed around some paint, and jammed in place some wheels,
He put the car upon its stand, and then he clicked his heels.
This woke the sleeping racer, it put a smile upon his face,
"A happy derby-day to all, and to all a very good race!"
~ Jay Jenkins
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