Simple Memories of Eternal Significance
Every Sunday I enjoy looking at the painting behind the baptistry at our church. One of these days I will try to take a picture of it so I can show it to you. It is a beautiful Tennessee type of scene with a stream flanked by green hills. One reason I like it so much is that it reminds me of the one I saw Sunday after Sunday when I was a child in Ashland City, Tennessee. I did take a photo of that painting when we were visiting there a few years ago. I once heard the story of the traveling artist who painted it. Here it is:
Last Sunday Ray suggested that we sit on the left side instead of the right side during the Sunday morning service. I teased him that people would think we weren’t there if they didn’t see us on our regular side. I think our temporary seat was good for me. For some reason, the painting gave me even more joy than usual. Then our song leader led “Stepping in the Light,” an old standby that we sang often at my home church. The memory felt very sweet. The hymn, written in 1890 by E. E. Hewitt, goes like this:
Trying to walk in the steps of the Saviour,
Trying to follow our Saviour and King;
Shaping our lives by His blessed example,
Happy, how happy, the songs that we bring.
Refrain:
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Saviour,
Stepping in the light, stepping in the light.
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Saviour,
Led in paths of light!
Trying to walk in the steps of the Saviour,
Upward, still upward, we’ll follow our Guide.
When we shall see Him, “the King in His beauty,”
Happy, how happy, our place at His side!
Refrain:
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Saviour,
Stepping in the light, stepping in the light.
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Saviour,
Led in paths of light!
I am grateful for parents who gave me sweet memories that continue to shape me today. One of the many wonderful things they did for me was filling my mind with the words to beautiful hymns like this one. Stepping in the light—what a powerful word picture. In the light is exactly where we want our children to step. We certainly don’t want them to step into darkness.
. . . you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession,
so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him
who has called you out of darkness
into His marvelous light . . .
1 Peter 2:9
Your children’s lives now will someday be their own childhood memories. Enjoy your daily opportunities to make those memories sweet and to make them of eternal significance. Remember that it isn’t necessary to go on grand vacations or to experience expensive activities to make the best memories. Some are as simple as looking at a pretty painting and singing the same profound words again and again.
My son, if your heart is wise,
My own heart also will be glad;
And my inmost being will rejoice
When your lips speak what is right.
Proverbs 23:15-16