I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands, (Isaiah 49:15-16 NIV adapted)
I have been writing reminders on my palms, leaving sticky notes on my mirror, and placing items I don’t want to forget by the door for years. Maybe you do as well. The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right, by Atul Gawande describes how vital checklists are in reminding airplane pilots and surgeons to make sure nothing is forgotten. That’s a relief if you intend to fly or have your appendix removed. They are important in our spiritual lives as well.
I have no idea where the idea came from, but about a year ago, I made the decision to ask my youngest granddaughter each every day that we are physically together, “Have I told you that I love you today?” She remembers, if I have or haven’t (in which case I make that right with a big I love you and a hug).
We all need reminders, about phones, wallets, keys, and about love. I was delighted to discover that God has us engraved (tattooed?) on God’s hand, a reminder that we are never forgotten by God. Like I do with my granddaughter, God gives us reminders every day, in little and big ways, of God’s steadfast love, compassion, and mercy “new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).”
Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, hearts to experience, and minds to remember your love, O God. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 