This weekend at church, a hymn brought vivid memories with one simple sound bite. As part of the worship time we sang How Great Thou Art. Any time I hear this song, I close my eyes and perfectly picture my Uncle Pat.  I clearly see him standing in the middle of the back row in the choir at the church of my youth. He would stand in the center – in front of the baptistery window. For some reason this is the only song I recall hearing him sing. Those memories are happy ones. When I remember them I picture – and hear –  him singing with a large smile on his face.

Another sound bite came as a memory this weekend. We were attending the memorial service for the pastor who impacted my family’s life for many many years. He led the service for our sweet baby Daniel when he passed away. At Saturday’s service, the small program we were given included Psalm 23 on one side. Reading just the first line, I could immediately hear him reading those exact words at Daniels funeral in 1984. Reading them on Saturday quickly brought his voice to mind as he read those words at our son’s graveside.

Another sound bite that I vividly recall occurred in 2007. Several months after my sweet Granny passed away a hymn we sang in church vividly brought a shocking sound bite. Within one verse, I truly felt that she was standing right beside me, and I could clearly hear her singing away.  I burst into tears. Whoever was standing beside me reached over and hugged me, and that meant so much to me. I wish I could recall who that person was! I was not sad that I could hear her singing; it was actually very sweet that the sound was so distinct in my ear. It made my heart rejoice, and the tears were actually tears of joy.

I love how God uses our senses to bring us very distinct memories!  I especially love that twice in the past weekend he sent me two very precious Sound Bites to remind me of loved ones and the memories I shared with those loved ones. The added bonus of recalling the Sound Bite memory from 2007 is a treasured memory. Both Sound Bites are reminders to let those who impacted my life know how much I appreciate them before they leave earth!  

The LORD is my shepherd: I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His names sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;  You anoint my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely mercy and goodness will follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.  Psalm 23