I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
Memorial day is symbolized through flags and commemorative flowers honoring the heroes who walked the fields of war for freedom. For many Americans, it is celebrated as a day of rest and time to picnic with family and friends. As our family passed a yard lined with flags, I turned to ask my kids what they knew about Memorial Day. Their responses made me realize that the memories they had captured were based upon the insignificance I had shamefully placed on Memorial Day. It was not a memorable day for them. I am realizing that their growth and development is a process of tiny moments and memories highlighted in their minds from how our family captures and commemorates traditions and milestones.
Memorial Day behind us and summer memories ahead to be captured, I wanted to stop and catch my breath for a moment. Lots of growth is happening all around me…the green grass that needs to be mowed, the flowers and tomatoes that need watering and the countless number of popsicles my kids are ravenously eating from the freezer. It can also be the growth of their inquisitive minds as they discover and experience the world around them. Memories are being made throughout these tiny moments.
In our home this summer, we are growing monarch butterflies and my kids love waking up every morning to see how much the caterpillar has grown and eaten from the milkweed. Every other day, my kids and I take a walk to find more milkweed for our caterpillars. Their growth is now dependant upon us. It is a great teachable experience and summertime memory.
Yesterday, while passing the local YMCA, my son ask about the dead strands of ivy that cascaded across the brickwall of this old building. It appears the branch for the ivy was severed to stop the growth on only one side of the building while the other side is lush with green branches. Just the night before, we had read a devotional about being connected to the vine – Jesus. My kids had not realized what a vine was until that moment. Seeing the ivy in that moment allowed for a visual connection to Jesus as the vine. It was a moment to capture a memory. My oldest said I should even blog about it.
Memories are captured in moments and milestones. Growth is developed in these tiny moments and milestones. As a busy mom, I don’t want to miss seeing either. I want my kids to be connected to me through the memories we make together this summer and beyond. More importantly, I realize their growth is dependent on how well they are connected to the vine.
Growth
Capture Memories. Commemorate Milestones. Stay Connected.
What memories do you want to make this summer? How well are you connected to the vine? What is your source for growth?