Roses in December

“God gave us Memories so that we’d have Roses in December.”  James M. Barrie

 

Rose bushes in our northern climate are dormant in December.  Their branches are devoid not only of blooms but even of leaves.   Only the bare thorny branches  brace themselves against the bitter cold and winter storms.   However, even as I ponder the stark thorns, I can smell the luscious scent and marvel at the rich palette of color that enlivens that corner of the garden.  How powerful and healing are memories!  What a precious gift our Heavenly Father has given us!  Things will not always be as they are and when facing the Decembers of this mortal life, like hot cocoa and a down comforter, memories made years ago and savored now, warm my soul. 

 

Currently I help care for a dying father who is frail, dependent and not in his right mind.  I came across an old photo of me riding on his shoulders carrying a bouquet of wild flowers as he walked through a wooded area.  My childhood feelings of warmth and security flowed through me again as I remembered- remembered when he was young and strong and I was small  and dependent;  remembered when our lives and relationship were different; remembered was life was new and an adventure.  Remembering my father as young and strong also created a vision for me of the time to come when he will be raised up in the resurrection.  Through our Savior’s gift to all, he will be whole again- body, mind and spirit- and glorious beyond what we have known here and in the future we will again explore and enjoy nature together.

 

It occurred to me that memories of the best of times can be invoked purposely as a way to shield myself from despair, discouragement and depression.  It is especially helpful for me to remember how I FELT at the joyful times in my life.  From the big milestones of God and family life to the littlest joys and triumphs, memories have the power to lighten current burdens and restore perspective.   Difficult times are part of the plan of growth in mortality and will not cease until our turn on earth is finished.  But God gave us memories so that even the darkest, coldest times can be softened.    When our children were young, we used to watch home movies or slides every Sunday night, where we could rehearse the events as each child entered the family and grew up to share vacations, birthdays and Christmases.  As the older children became teens, they lost interest in this practice and it gradually faded away.  Now, I think I shall renew the practice of watching old movies (which we’ve had transferred to video) and thumbing through old photograph books.

 

My husband and I were young once.  I have photos to prove it.  Remembering how it feels to be so fully in love with my husband and how it felt when started off our life together so full of eagerness and feeling ready to face anything as long as we could be together, brings back those feelings and renews the joy of our journey together as we face the challenges of aging.  Remembering reminds me to enjoy all that this day has to offer.  As I remember good times and feelings, my mood is elevated- I am happier.  Remembering also evokes gratitude for the Father’s plan- which ensures that although sorrow is a necessary learning experience in this life, all sorrows are temporary and the best is yet to come!