Have you ever read a whole book or watched a whole movie (or maybe listened to a whole sermon!) only to remember ONE poignant line that really spoke to you? Actually, I think that is perfectly fine and to be commended. When I used to do all day seminars and consulting, I would often tell my audience that if they remembered and applied just one single ONE concept that improved their life, it would pay the tuition for the whole day. I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time fully incorporating the “7 essentials” of successful living or “14 ways to improve your life.” As for me, focusing on intentionally improving one or two things at a time is about my limit.
In fact, I still tend to summarize the primary point(s) of each chapter I read and then the one or two most important points that spoke to me from the whole book. I find myself intentionally listening for ‘that one line’ from a movie that speaks to my heart. For example, Facing the Giants is a film about football and faith. But apart from the football theme, the line that spoke to my heart was when the coach’s wife, in the depth or her disappointment, turned to God and said, “And still I will trust you.”
You might find yourself thinking similarly about a special place or time that remains so special to you. What special quality about that memory speaks so deeply to you? And how can you strive to achieve a similar experience right where you are now? Instead of looking back to the past for happiness, how can you carry those special ‘lessons learned’ to the present and enjoy them all your life? Even Jesus summarized God’s message to us in two commands to remember and apply to our daily lives: Love God and love others!
Similarly, you might think about a person who you find ministers to your soul when they are near. Of all the characteristics that describe them, what is at the essence of their being that speaks peace or joy to you? And how can you incorporate that same essence into who you are?
Our lives are filled with an immense amount of information, data, experiences, and emotions. Choosing to remember and maintain the essential few builds us up and strengthens and encourages us. It allows us to use our blessings to bless others.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8