Sticky Notes

When I have something important to remember, I sometimes jot a a sticky note and then paste it where I know I will see it. With the many distractions of life, remembering important things can be a daunting task… And sticky notes can help.

My mom passed away recently and the process of sorting through her things was one of those projects that was totally overwhelming, yet also helped me to remember her well. Remembering a loved one is a gift that lives on. I found a collection of sticky notes written to mom from my dad. Tucked in a billfold, these were “long ago” messages dad would leave for mom when he went to work and she was still sleeping. Messages as mundane as “Honey, I made the coffee and it is decaf” or as endearing as “I love you.”

Mom almost lived long enough to celebrate her 72nd wedding anniversary. She was very happily married to my dad. They were inseparable and modeled devotion, faith, romance, loyalty, and unity over a long span of time. Even to the end, my dad was holding my mom’s hand at her bedside as she quickly declined during a battle with cancer. Lovers until the end.

I read countless anniversary and birthday cards from my parents to each other over the years. I handled many gifts that they had given each other, including several Bibles and Christian books from each decade. Jewelry, clothing, and all kinds of remembrances. But, it was the sticky notes that grabbed my heart. The daily expressions of care and love. The simple reminders. The evidence of thoughtfulness. The treasures of small amounts of words on little pieces of paper. So, I decided to put the collection of sticky notes at my mom’s side in her casket.

God’s Word is full of imperatives and “remember” is one of them. Psalm 143:5 says, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that You have done; I ponder the work of Your hands.” We are changed when we remember God’s faithfulness in the past, the days of old. We are encouraged when we remember Daniel’s faith, Solomon’s wisdom, or David’s courage. We are changed when we remember God’s amazing gift of salvation through Christ Jesus. We are moved when we consider the vast details of God’s Creation.

We are changed whenever a good memory brings on a big smile. And likewise, when a bad memory causes heartache…

I am grateful for the wonderful memory of dad’s love for mom. I am changed by it. Although their long romance is too vast to describe here, those sticky notes are indicators of the deep love of a lifetime imprinted on tiny everyday papers, attached to various mirrors and counters, and left behind for a daughter’s remembrance and gratitude.

Similarly, I am grateful for the wonderful memory of God’s love. It is also too vast to describe here, yet Scripture is given to remind me of the deep love of my Lord and Savior Who leaves an eternal reminder imprinted on my heart. This is something my parents have passed on to me. And it will change me forever.