It’s hard to believe, but this is my tenth end-of-year article. Most of my previous yearend articles focused on developing a vision or setting priorities for the coming year, but I want to do something different this year.
This year, I want to look back in the form of memories and challenge you to think about some memories you want to make in the coming year.
Perhaps it is the stage of life I find myself in, but I have been wandering down memory lane a lot lately, thinking about treasured friends and family. For many of my family and friends who have gone on to be with the Lord, the only thing I have left of them is these precious memories. These memories dancing through my mind are incredibly vivid, like the events they portray happened just recently, even though many are years or decades past.
Memories are the real legacy we leave behind. The stuff we collect throughout our lives is mostly just stuff. The next generation doesn’t want my stuff. It will end up in the trash or in a second-hand store. All they will keep of me when I am gone are memories.
I asked my daughter, Rebekah, and my wife, Barbara, about their favorite memories, and here is what they told me.
Rebekah’s Memories
When I asked my daughter, Rebekah, what her favorite memories of her grandmother Kelleher were, she rattled off a list that included sleepovers at Grandma’s house, making Pfeffernüsse (a German spice cookie), listening to stories of her childhood on the farm, helping Grandma in the garden, and feeding the ducks at the park near Grandma’s house.
Family Vacation with Grandma
Rebekah with Mom, Justin, and Grandma Feeding Ducks at Manito Park
Barbara’s Memories
I asked my bride, Barbara, what were her favorite memories. She said adventures with close friends, getting married to me (yea!), adopting Justin and Rebekah, Rebekah’s college graduation and her wedding, a two-day mother-daughter trip to attend a concert, and recently, the birth of our first grandchild, Victory.
Rebekah with Mom at a concert
Ron’s Memories
In my case, I have vivid memories of my youth spent on my grandpa’s farm. There were a few close friends whose friendships lasted decades. Of course, marrying Barbara was on my list of precious memories, as was adopting Justin and Rebekah. Then there were Rebekah’s graduation and wedding, several dad-daughter days, and of course, the birth of Victory. These are all locked away in my box of precious memories.
Rebekah & Ron at Disneyland
Ron, Mark, & Darrell Annual Christmas Dinner
If you noticed, there is no mention of stuff in this list of memories from Rebekah, Barbara, and me. Not one Christmas present, no matter how thoughtful, made the list. Not one piece of jewelry made the list, not even her fancy new car. The only things that made the list were memories of the time we shared and things we did together.
As I thought through our combined precious memories, I was reminded of something a close friend and co-worker told me.
Minal’s Memories
Minal, Kalindi, and Ron
Minal was a dear friend and co-worker. I had already retired, and she was still working in another part of the country, so she and I hadn’t seen each other for several years. One day, she called and invited me to join her at a local resort for afternoon tea with her oldest daughter. It was a grand afternoon.
I asked Minal what she and her daughter were doing in our area, and she explained that she made it a habit to take each of her three daughters on a trip to wherever they wanted to go every year. “We’re making memories,” she said.
What Minal didn’t tell me at the time was that she had cancer. She knew she had only a few “good” months left. She was determined to have one last adventure with each daughter so they would have another precious memory of her to carry with them.
That afternoon with Minal and her daughter is one of my precious memories. It was the last time I saw or spoke to her. Cancer claimed Minal's life just a few months later. She was only 51 years old.
Making memories is our legacy. After all, memories will live on in the hearts and minds of the next generation long after moths and rust have destroyed all our worldly possessions.
Make Some Precious Memories
On their deathbed, no one I’ve ever known said, “I wish I had spent more time at work.” Most wish they had more time to spend with the people they love and care most about.
So, let’s not wait until it’s too late. Let’s step away from the chaos of work and be intentional about making precious memories. Go on that trip to see family members. Take a day off work to spend with your kids doing whatever they want. Teach your kids how to make Pfeffernüsse. Take your best friend to lunch or have them over for dinner.
But do it. Be intentional about making memories. Precious memories are not made from stuff; they are made from the time we spend together. There will come a day when you aren’t able to do it, and then it will be too late.
Precious Memories, How They Linger
If you are a country music fan, you may have recognized the title of this week’s article. It comes from a gospel hymn written in 1925 and recorded by several famous artists.
Alan Jackson’s rendition is my favorite of the contemporary artists who have recorded Precious Memories. I pray you will enjoy it and that its message will prompt you to be intentional about making some precious memories of your own in the coming months and years.
Precious memories, unseen angels
Sent from somewhere to my soul
How they linger, ever near me
And the sacred past unfolds
Precious memories how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness, of the midnight
Precious sacred scenes unfold
Precious father, loving mother
Fly across the lonely years
And old home scenes of my childhood
In fond memory appears
Precious memories how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness, of the midnight
Precious sacred scenes unfold
I remember Mother praying
Father too, on bended knee
The sun is sinking, shadows falling
But their prayers still follow me
Precious memories how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness, of the midnight
Precious sacred scenes unfold
Precious memories fill my soul
Discussion Questions
These questions can serve as a useful framework for guiding a thoughtful and engaging discussion about the article and how its insights and perspectives apply to our lives today.
- How can leaders prioritize making memories with loved ones in the midst of busy work schedules?
- What are some specific examples of how memories can be incorporated into workplace culture and values?
- How can leaders encourage their teams to prioritize making memories with family and friends outside of work?
- How can leaders ensure that their personal pursuit of making memories does not negatively impact their work or the work of their team?
- How can leaders measure the impact of prioritizing memories in their personal and professional lives?
More Articles
Here are all nine of my previous articles celebrating a year’s end and looking forward to the New Year ahead.
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. How do you plan to intentionally create precious memories with friends and loved ones this year?
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