Nostalgia - Memories, Moments, & Smiles

Nostalgia. A sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time. We all have at least one. One memory. One moment. One smile. So, here's some nostalgia from my childhood...a little trip down memory lane.

• Within the parking lot of McDonald's. Sitting alongside my grandpa. In his old truck. Eating a fish sandwich after an afternoon of fishing. Laughing and smiling.
• Watching the nightly show of flickering fireflies. A masterpiece.
• Resting against a fence post. Looking across the snow covered fields. Falling in love with the amazing beauty of creation.
• Soaking in the warmth of a radiator. Lying on the kitchen floor. Listening to the old farm house creak and clank.
• Playing hide and seek with Scottie, my dog. (Side note. I was an only child.)
• Listening to the sounds of holiday prep. Blenders, buzzers, pots, and pans. Basking in the glow of holiday lights.
• Enjoying a Mars Bar after golf lessons. Thanks dad!

These memories, moments, and smiles have defined and molded the person before you today. The person sitting opposite your monitor. Blogging and typing away my nostalgia.

What's your nostalgia? How has this nostalgia defined and molded you?

Just as important. This nostalgia plugs into the local church. Into your church. The hugs, laughs, lessons, ministries, prayers, sermons, and tears of yesteryear. Defining and molding. Thus, here's the important point. Ready? Get your notepad and pen. And...go.

The only way for a church to move forward is to look back. Paradoxically, change can come only when the good past is guarded with passion. (pg. 69 of Transforming Church by Kevin Ford)