What Do You Want Your Last Memory To Be?

October 19, 2025
 
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
Recently, someone asked me this question.  “What is your earliest life memory?”  
 
I believe the first life memory that I can recall is that of building a two-step ladder to climb up into a tree during the summer I started elementary school.  Then there are memories of kindergarten that come to mind as well.  Among them are:
 

• Seeing many “frowny faces” on most of my papers.  I think I even got a “frowny face” for nap time.   Realize that I started school when I was only four years old.  These “frowny faces” may have scarred me for many years after kindergarten.  ☹  This is a haunting image. 
• Playing on the playground near the jungle gym where Denny punched me in the stomach, knocking the wind out of me.  Of course, I flopped around on the ground like a fish out of water for a time.  After a while, the school bell rang telling us that recess was over.  As we lined up to process into the building, I was behind Denny.  I tapped him on the shoulder, and when he turned around, I punched him in the eye with a right hook.  Immediately, he went to the kindergarten teacher and tattled on me.  By this time his eye was black and blue, and I had no defense as I had no visible wound from his punch.  I learned right then that sometimes the world is just not fair. 

 
Everyone has what is called “first memories.”  But maybe more important than “first memories” would be something that I call “last memories.”  In other words, as I go to die, what will be my “last memory,” my last thought?  I pray it is not fear, pain, or a mind of confusion that clouds my exit memory.  It would be my hope that I would depart from this world with grace knowing that all glory lies just ahead.  As I bid my final adieu to my family and friends, may my final words be of witness to Jesus.  That would be a good “last memory” to tell Jesus when I see Him face to face.  “I witnessed to Your love, right up to the end.”  What do you want your “last memory” to be?  I pray for you, that it might be of Jesus.
 
Thinking ahead…Pastor Allan
 
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