When I was a little girl, my mom bought me a red journal and told me to write a little something in it each day. Half the page was for writing and half the page was for a picture. I still have that red journal and enjoy pulling it out and reading the misspelled words and trying to make out the first grade artwork. My writing skills have improved, but my artwork still looks about the same. ~smile~
A few years later, I started a more grown-up journal about life’s most important topic – boys. For someone who was not boy crazy, I faked it well. It’s true that I did not like every boy that came along (far from it); but, when I developed a crush on someone, look out – it was all consuming. When I read that diary, I smile and feel a deep sense of embarrassment at some of the silly thoughts and feelings I expressed in younger years.
“He fell down while he was skating on purpose to impress me.”
“He told me he’d love me forever.”
“He kissed me and his mom didn’t even see us!”
If God sees fit to give us a daughter, these journals will be locked up. This is a must. ~smile~
One characteristic of almost every journal I own is the leftover pages in the back. I start a journal with good intentions (or, I devote a journal to one topic) and then the new of it wears off and I don’t finish. This is truly a regret of mine. I wish I could look back and remember more about what I experienced and what I felt in my formative years. I guess I preferred experiencing life (e.g., hanging out with friends every chance I got) than writing about it. Still, I wish I would have known how nice it would have been to grow up and have those memories preserved.
A Journal to My Future Husband
Along with my who kissed who on the playground journals, I also have some Eric journals. My senior year of college, I started a journal for my future husband. I found it therapeutic and I thought it would be a great gift for him someday. Once Eric and I became a couple, I started addressing my entries to him. ~smile~ I just knew we’d never break up.
This journal is chalked full of memories. Our name tags from the Reforming Marriage Conference in 2004. The picture of us Mom took the night after we became a couple. Ticket stubs. I even cut out the wrapping paper he wrote on when he gave me the Back to the Future trilogy on my twenty-second birthday (a decision he would later regret ~smile~).
Lyrics to songs, the card he gave me when he proposed, a wedding planning checklist, and random pictures – this journal has it all, and I’m so glad we have it! I gave it to Eric on our wedding night and, wouldn’t you know it… he gave one to me! Great minds?!?
Anyway, it is one journal I actually finished. The last entry dated 6-11-05:
“Today, I become your wife. The past year has flown by and crept by. But, here we are now, getting married. Heather Lynn Viets I am to be from now until forever. I love you, dearly, even through the tough times. Sometimes we can’t be in the same room, and sometimes we can’t be apart. But, we can always be in love, as long as we make it our priority. You are my priority till death do us part.
New Bern Church of God, June 11th, 2005. I will always love you, Eric. – Heather Lynn Viets”
Almost ten years later, it’s hard to remember what I was like as a naïve young bride. I expected greatness, but I probably would not have admitted it. ~smile~ Life has not turned out as I had planned on that special day – and there are times I need these precious memories to remind me of what brought Eric and me together. At some point in your future marriage, you’ll probably need a reminder too.
Start Your Own Book of Precious Memories!
If you have not yet, I encourage you to start a journal. If you are single, address it to your future spouse. If you are with the one you are planning to marry, start writing to him or her. If you are a newlywed, write about all your thoughts, feelings, excitements, and discouragements. Paste memories in this book so you can relive them years later. Save the bigger treasures in a special box.
After the first year or so of marriage, I quit journaling. Again, another thing I regret. Take it from me; you’re going to wish you could remember more from those early years together. You don’t have to write much, but document your life together. You’ll be glad you did – and future generations will treasure the history of your life long after you’re gone.
Have you considered beginning a journal for your future spouse?