Today, while looking at an old photograph, it was as if I had stepped into a time machine and quickly whisked back in time to the exact moment and place where it had been taken. I remember the old wooden chair where I sat, the plain and simple surroundings of a young couple just getting started in life, and my child’s warm little body snuggled up on my shoulder. I could almost smell the sweet scent of talcum powder mixed with tender baby skin and hear the soft, rhythmic sound of breathing as he slept. And I remember how, at that moment, time stood still.

It is said that simple things appear great from far away, and as the years slip away and I find myself drifting further and further from those days, I’m coming to realize just how true this really is. Like aged cheese, and with the magical touch of time, these memories become more and more savory and valuable as the years go by.  

I find it interesting, as I look back through the rearview mirror of my life, that my most treasured memories are like this one, formed from small, seemingly insignificant happenings of everyday life. Whenever I get flashes of memories, little snippets of time spent with the people I love, I find that it’s not necessarily the big, momentous events that took place now and again that I hold most dear, but rather, it’s the glances, the smiles, and the casually spoken words that have won a prominent place in my heart and mind. Like ancient writings carved in stone, these small, fleeing moments have been permanently etched into my heart, where they are sure to remain until the end of time, and beyond.

I’ve come to realize that it’s moments like these that are truly the great and important things of life after all. These are the moments which ground us, bind us, and somehow become a part of us. I want to learn to savor and treasure them in real time, for I know that if we aren’t paying attention, they can be easily overlooked and taken for granted. Before these moments fade into the past and become memories, I want to lock them safe within my heart, where I can keep them and cherish them forever.  

. . .out of small things, proceedeth that which is great. (D&C 64:33s 

My Days With You

by Christi Pauline

 

Day by gentle day has come,

And gone and come anew.

My heart is filled with sweet content,

For I am here with you.

 

The joy we find in each new day,

Is found in simple things,

The full bright “glads” outside the door,

Which show their heads in spring.

 

The clouds that form above the hills,

Are fluffy, billowy balls,

They dot the canvas of the skies,

Against the mountain walls.

 

The yellow finches swarm around,

The thistle in the trees,

And we delight to see them come,

Like buzzing, dancing bees.

 

We spy them through the kitchen glass,

And feel the morning breeze,

Our little table in the nook is spread,

With fruit, and meat, and cheese.

 

I reach to touch your gentle hand,

It warms my hand and heart,

And makes me glad to live this life,

Of which you are a part.

 

I thank our Lord who gives us breath,

And “glads”, and clouds, and sun,

And fills our days with joy and peace,

And makes our hearts as one.

 

 For our children and their children,

For our time upon this earth,

For treasured friends who richly give,

Our humble lives their worth.

 

And when at last the sun goes down,

And the blessed day is through.

My heart shall rest in sweet content,

For I am here with you.

Memories

by Christi Pauline

 

Memories,

Like perennial blossoms,

Buried beneath the snow,

Emerge.

Some soft and lovely,

Bright, or delightful,

Some with thorns.

But all to me unique,

And treasured.

I gaze upon them for a time,

Trying to put them in order somehow,

Where I might them more pleasing.

And then at last,

They are gently covered up again,

Until they shall again appear,

Some other day.


Discover more from Poesy and Ponderings

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.