Memories
“Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”
Jeremiah 6:16 NKjV
I remember Gin Creek. I assume it was named Gin Creek for a reason. At some point in time, and someplace in its travel, it must have powered a cotton gin. I remember a smooth path alongside this creek where I would walk. I remember crawfish running backward and minnows threading the quick current.
Long before cell phones and computers, there were creeks with elm leaves and water snakes floating in them. Long before boys entertained themselves with video games, they kept themselves busy damming up creeks to make swimming holes. They also rode bikes with no brakes down steep hills. And now old men have scars. Their bones ache because of the glorious crashes that occurred at the bottom.
I remember cane poles and catching bream. In those days, there was nothing to worry about. As we rambled through the woods, ticks did not bite and people were good. Also in those days, flat screens were used to keep the bugs out of the house. The net was used to catch fish.
I remember going to church. And preachers who gave out bubblegum and the love of God to children. I remember Vacation Bible School with white-haired ladies and crafts. I also remember Kool-Aid, cookies, and the gospel being served. This is where I decided to follow Jesus.
I remember Sunday School and a teacher who took his boys squirrel hunting. I remember a pastor who walked with Jesus daily and modeled humility. And the legend of Brother Jack lives on today. He and others like him are the type of preacher that I hope to become someday.
Memories. I don’t press them in the pages of my mind. Instead, they are running on the screensaver of my heart. They tell of simpler times and sweeter pleasures. They remind me of places and people who have shaped my life. But most of all, they remind me of how deeply Jesus loved that boy. He used to play in the waters of Gin Creek.
Douglas & Deborah Huff
From Down Where the Pavement Ends
Email-douglas@pavementendsminstry.com
From the Bible
“I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness.”
Psalms 145:1-7 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.145.1-7.NKJV
My daughter Kate has written her first book. Follow her progress and help her get it published. Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at www.kateoliviahuff.com
