Memory Box

Collecting memories, Cultivating remembrance

Hello readers!

How has your week been? Let me know in the comments below ⬇️

Last week, we touched on the importance of remembrance and the cost of forgetfulness. Continuing from this topic, I will explore the practice of remembrance, giving some suggestions for exercising this crucial value in our lives.

Let’s begin,

Hannah Azeredo

When I was little, my Nan used to occasionally gift me and my sisters a decorated box, a memory box. We were encouraged to collect items that sparked joyful memories, for example, theatre tickets, badges we earned at Gymnastics, music awards etc…

It was a beautiful way of celebrating events that could have otherwise been passed over or forgotten. It taught us to treasure and even look out for moments to capture. This was the real gift!

Collecting memories as an adult may not look exactly like this. There is a time to let go of childhood memontos and theme park souvenirs. But the concept remains the same - we must collect and capture significant moments in our lives. We must leave physical marks to encourage remembrance.

A biblical example of this can be found in Joshua. God has miraculously repeated his mighty miracle of parting the water so that the Israelites may pass through. This act in itself is an incredible testimony to the faithfulness of God and his unchanging nature from their ancestors to their generation. However, God feels it necessary that they leave a physical mark so that they may remember what the Lord has done - remembrance stones, one to represent each tribe. Human memory is quick to forget what we need to remember most at times. We need practical and visual reminders to help us to connect to past events.

As I previously mentioned, writing songs helps me to mark significant moments. It leaves me a legacy to come back to, memories to be relived.

My question to you today is, what does this look like for you?

How do you or can you capture moments in your life to facilitate the recalling of significant events at a later time?

Here are some ideas if you can’t think of your own or want to explore different ways of recalling your history:

• Write a song

• Write a letter to your past self, giving advice, celebrating an area you’ve grown in, or something that’s happened

• Write a letter to a friend

• Write down 10 things you are thankful for and why.

• Write a poem

• Take some photos throughout the week

• Journalling

• Create artwork - paint, draw, sketch a memory or feeling

• Recall your senses - Make a list with 5 columns, one for each sense. Under each one, write down 20 things from your past that you remember relating to that sense. E.g. smell, bubblegum ice cream when I was in the park with my friends. Touch, the sofa we’ve had for 20 years.

• Memory box

• Photo album

• Scrapbook

• Call a friend and catch each other up with the highlights of your week

• Share the highs and lows of your day with your family members

Finally, I’d like to touch upon the value of discipline in choosing to live a life of remembrance. We are creatures of habit, so the more you practice remembering, the more natural it will become. I set aside time every Sunday (even if it’s just 10 min) to reflect on the week - being thankful for what has passed and letting go of the difficulties, most importantly looking for the character of God amidst my little life. This has honestly been one of the most healing habits ever. It gives me perspective into my own life and serves as a simple reminder of God’s presence throughout everyday moments. I truly recommend finding time in your own lives to do this!

I pray this practice blesses you as much as it has blessed me. This is not a topic I share lightly. It has made a significant, life-changing impact on me. I pray that your homes and hearts will be increasingly filled with joy, tears, and peace as you take up this practice. I pray that gratitude will become a closer friend every day.

To those who wish to wonder,

Hannah Azeredo

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© Hannah Azeredo | 2025