Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love. Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she’s also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart.
I was inspired by The Memory Jar to create a new tradition in our home for the new year— a resolution to remember, if you will. Ben and I are excited to begin keeping our own memory jars — one for each of us. I have decided to keep my memories written down on small pieces of paper. As events happen I know I don’t want to forget, I’ll jot a note down and then put it in my memory jar. Ben thought it would be more fun to keep items like Sarah did in the book.
Instead of making New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, exercise regularly, drink more water, or any of those other promises no one ever keeps . . . perhaps you’ll resolve to remember in the coming year. Savor the moments, tuck them away in your special jar, and then bring them out next year on New Year’s Eve, the way we plan to. I believe it could be a life-changing thing to do.
It’s not important what kind of jar you use — an old mason jar, a coffee can you were going to throw away, a shoebox, or plastic bowl with a lid even. What’s important is to remember. To write down those things that make you laugh . . . or cry. Perhaps a Scripture that brought you through a tough day, a funny thing your child said, or a simple gesture that blessed you.
You could save your memories written on paper, as I will do, or you can save those items that will remind you of your special moments — ticket stubs, a piece of wrapping paper, a dried flower . . .
The important thing is to treasure every day, for surely they are fleeting. Those difficult hours and tough days, soon become years passing all too quickly. It’s important to remember those simple moments. Creating a memory jar may help you do just that.
