By Dr. Philip West
Do you remember the smoky smell of burning leaves on a cool autumn Saturday morning? When I was a kid, we had a massive oak tree in our backyard.
We would rake the leaves into piles, and on occasion my dad would burn them.
I would stand there with him, watching the fire and trying to escape the smoke. It’s interesting how something as simple as burning leaves can leave such a lasting impression.
I sit with a smile on my face as I revisit that autumn morning, wishing I could stand there again with my dad, the burning leaves, the smell of smoke, and even the aroma of bacon cooking in Mrs. Wallace’s kitchen.
Sadly, I can’t return except through those memories. Some memories we cherish, and some we try hard to forget.
The truth is, not everything in our past produces a smile or joy. Some memories linger like smoke, reminding us of choices we wish we could undo.
When those memories return, I stop and thank God for His grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Even when we remember past failures, we rest in the truth found in Psalm 103:12: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Praise the Lord!
Leave a Reply