I took an unexpected trip down memory lane recently when I traveled to Atlanta as part of the press junket for a red carpet movie premiere.
When I was growing up, my parents were divorced. Dad lived in Atlanta, and I spent my summers with him. After I was grown and married, I made many trips down I-85 to visit him. But after his death, my visits to the area were infrequent—and when I did go to Atlanta, I went a back way through the mountains since it was a shorter trip.
On my journey down for the premiere, I went the old way on I-85 since I was meeting a friend for lunch. I hadn’t been that way in years, and I certainly didn’t expect the flood of memories that hit me.
There was the exit where a Stuckey’s had been. When I was a child that was always our stop for Dad to get gas and for us to buy some of the yummy pecan logs in the store. That Stuckey’s is long gone, but the sweet memories remain.
Tears welled as I passed the exit where I used to turn off to go to Daddy’s house. I’d give a whole lot to end up in his driveway again and see him walking out of the house. Such cherished times.
And then as I drove into downtown, I passed The Varsity, one of those must-go-to places to eat while you’re in town. Oh my, the memories almost overwhelmed me as I thought of all the times my dad and I went there with my cousins after a Braves game, laughing and downing chili dogs and frosted orange drinks together. Those are some of my most vivid and precious memories.
And then one last memory hit me that night as we settled into our seats at the Fox Theatre to watch the movie—because when I was a young teen, Dad bought season tickets and we went to the Fox to watch their summer series of plays. I’d forgotten about those moments until I was there that night.
As I thought about those cherished memories with my dad, it made me think of all the cherished moments I’ve had with my heavenly Father.
Just like I could drive down the interstate and have memory after memory about Dad, I can look back at my life and find memory after memory of moments that God has hung out with me. Times when He brought comfort during difficult situations. Days when I didn’t deserve it, but He met me with sweet grace and mercy. Times when His presence was so close I felt like I could reach out and touch Him.
I’m grateful for my unexpected trip down this particular memory lane. Do you need a trip like mine? Find someone who’s touched your life and thank him or her. And then look back at your memories with God and spend some time thanking Him as well. You’ll be glad you did!
