It seems that just about everyone has an opinion concerning the phenomenon of Facebook and why they do or don't have an account. One of the reasons many individuals choose not to have an account is that they have no interest in re-connecting with "friends" from the past. I guess that makes sense if those "friends" from the past weren't really true friends or if they were just superficial relationships or even if those relationships bring back unpleasant memories.However, for me, re-connecting with friends from my past has been so meaningful and enriching. It has caused me to stop and count my blessings as I realize just how many individuals I have been fortunate enough to know. In an ideal world it would be wonderful if we could hang onto all those relationships that we value but life happens, we get busy, we move away, our friends move away, we have a family, we make more friends and over time we eventually loose touch.
Recently I got a "friend request" on Facebook from someone who I was involved in a youth group with back in the 70s/80s. This friend posted a photo of the gang, a picture reminiscent of that decade, and I couldn't help but howl with laughter at the styles we all dared to wear back then. As I continued to gaze upon this photo a feeling of warmth filled my heart and I was flooded with memories of long ago.
They say a picture paints a thousand words and although it was was 30 years ago there was something about that photo that made my teenage years feel like they were yesterday. I could remember all the good times I had as a teenager and all the wonderful friends I made. I remembered that it was during that time that I turned my life over to God and discovered the joy of knowing I was loved by the creator of the universe. AND...it made me smile.
Nostalgia - a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. Memories are powerful, they evoke all sorts of emotions and when those memories are positive it can be so very sweet.
So, I decided to share my joy by starting a group page inviting friends who had attended my youth group to join in with their memories. Within a few minutes of creating the page there were 30 individuals invited to join. Within a few hours there were several posts with people sharing their most cherished memories of our times together. And my favourite part, the photos people began to post.
For me, this experience was a wake up call. I truly have been blessed. I have met so many amazing individuals in the course of my life, I have had so many amazing experiences. My life is rich, my life is full and I am grateful, not only for the blessings in my life now, but for the many blessings in my life then.
