I misplaced my car keys the other day. I must have searched for at least 15 minutes before realizing that I was holding them in my hand!! My mind has been playing this version of hide and seek on me for quite some time now ( and with increasing frequency). I tried to convince my mind that I was to old for this game, but it begged do differ. On the contrary it said, yours is precisely the right age and the fun is just beginning. Oh the joys of an aging body! My husband tries to comfort me by reminding me that memory loss was a symptom of perimenopause (you know the change of life defense) and that it was perfectly normal. I remind him that forgetfullness was not gender specific. "Did you call your mom about the cookout at my Dad's" I ask. "No I foregot", he replied. I rest my case.
One thing that really amazes me is that though I can forget where I placed my keys (or purse etc..) within a matter of minutes of putting them down, I can recall word for word practically every song I have ever learned beginning with my first nursery rhyme. Why is that I wondered? I think it has something to do with the circumstances surrounding the song. Most of them I can link to a specific event or place. Whether it be a joyful time or one of sorrow, the song can take me there instantly with the first few notes played. At least I feel like I haven't lost all of my cognitive abilities!!!
Scripture does that as well. I have found that the more I study and " hide God's word in my heart", the easier and more frequently I can recall them. I can't neccessarily quote chapter and verse (although I'm striving) but I can draw upon his Word in times of trouble or even in times of joy and thanksgiving. I have known people with alzheimer's and dementia who can still quote scripture with complete accuracy. This is God's wonderful gift to the faithful. Jesus tells us that "He will never leave us or forsake us". Though our bodies and minds become old and begin to whither, His word remains forever written on our hearts.
So though I may call my children by the wrong names (hey I have 5 cut me some slack), I will never forget the name of my Father. And if you need a ride, I will be glad to give you one. But I hope your not in a hurry, I seem to have misplaced my keys.
