WHEN MUSEUMS BECOME PERSONAL

 The vast majority of us have been to some sort of museum.  I have been to local museums with displays involving the past of the area and huge national museums~ most memorably the Metropolitan Museum in New York City, the National Holocaust Museum in Washington DC and the granddaddy of them all the Smithsonian In Washington.  I have found each and every one fascinating as I visit the past through curated displays of "The Way We Were".  

I cannot remember what started this train of thought, but I do remember the point, thankfully.  (My memory is hit or miss---and a lot more missing these days)  The point is the museums I enjoyed most and could have spent days in were those with which I have personal knowledge or involvement.  The Smithsonian had Dorothy's red slippers, Archie Bunker's chair, the first satellite; local museums involving families and places I have been around my entire life.  The museum which really spoke to me was the World War II museum in New Orleans.  You might wonder why?   Since I am a Baby Boomer, I was born in the years following the war.  My dad was in the army in the European theater during that war.  I am most interested in the battles he was a part of; what his life was like while deployed; what life was like at home with all the men gone; and how it affected him and my mother--forever.  It is my attempt to understand the experiences of my parents and how it shaped their lives--and consequently mine.  Our history plays a huge roll in who we are.  In any quest to better understand ourselves we need to investigate our history.  The story we are living was directly impacted not only by our experiences, but those who played a part in helping us become who we are today.

Where could I possibly be going?  We have a history with God~ the story of our relationship with Him.  The Word is filled with examples of these stories which makes us aware of how important our stories are.  If we were to create a display based upon our history with God--what would it look like?  Thinking through this gives you a good start on "your testimony".  Someone will be interested (probably our children) , but also those God places in our path.  Stories are told best with a little preparation and practice.  SO--sit down and at least think through what your story exhibit would look like.  Are you prepared to relate to others the story of you and God?  It is the most important story you will ever tell.

"My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,

of your deeds of salvation all the day,

for their number is past my knowledge.

With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come;

I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone."

Psalm 71: 15-16