"Missed the Boat" Monday: Let's Focus on Memory Lane

I'm in Michigan. I left on Saturday morning and drove a friend here so she can see her grandchildren (triplets!) graduate from high school tonight. While she's visiting her family, I'm staying with my sister in Wyoming. (The suburb of Grand Rapids where I grew up)

As I drive down familiar streets, my head whips left and right to see how things have changed, and how things have stayed the same. 

My old elementary school is no longer there, and neither is the pool where I spent many hours swimming.

On Sunday, Jill and I went to our childhood church, Grace Reformed. It was so good to see familiar faces. We got to talk with some people; others just gave us curious stares, not sure if they should know us or not.

This morning I took a long walk...down memory lane.

I walked past my old high school:

It used to be Rogers High School, but now it's Wyoming High School.

I went past our childhood home:

I'm always surprised at how small it looks compared to how big it seemed when I was a kid.

I walked down Parkland (our address was on Parkland even though we had to drive down Plas St. to get to our house because there is a cul-de-sac).

I walked past the Wyoming Public Library. I worked there for a few years when I was in high school. There is just one wall that remains from the old library. It looks completely different inside and out.

Even if we can't physically visit the places where we grew up and lived before, we can always go down memory lane in our minds and remember the people and places that shaped who we are.

I thank God for my growing up years in Wyoming, Michigan, and for all of the places I've lived since then.

It was Pentecost Sunday yesterday, so I'll close with a verse about the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. He'll help us walk down memory lane and remind us of all that God has taught us over the years.

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26 NIV)

Do you like to walk down memory lane? What people and places have shaped you over the years? How can focusing on God help you to continue to grow into the person He has made you to be?