Never Forget

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalm 103:2 NLT

Hermann Ebbinghaus developed a tireless quest to understand memory. Born in Germany in 1850, he was among the first to study this illusive subject scientifically. In the process, he became obsessed with words and symbols.

In one series of experiments, he developed three-letter syllables (called “trigrams”). He conducted experiment after experiment, determining how long symbols could be remembered. Then, he conducted further experiments to learn what the mind retained, and how quickly it forgot what had been learned.

Through this and other experiments, Ebbinghaus discovered what has been called “the forgetting curve.” He proved just how quickly we can forget, even the things that we think we’ll always remember. He found that, within twenty minutes, we can forget as much as 40% of what we have learned! After a day or two, as much as 80 percent!

He also recognized that all of us are different. That some people have a better capacity to remember than others. That there are techniques to improve memory. Yet most of us forget all too easily, even information, facts, and names we know are important. Even things we want to remember.

This is one of the reasons “Memorial Day” was established in the US, a day set aside to remember and honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. To make sure that these men and women are not forgotten.

The Bible also is full of encouragements to remember our parents and forebears. Those who have sacrificed and given of themselves for us. And we are to remember those who have been part of our spiritual heritage. Those who have taught us. Prayed for us. Counseled us. Helped us to grow in our faith.

And, we are to remember God. Never to forget all that He has done for us.

Prayer: Father, thinking back, I remember all that You have done for me. I am so grateful. Help me to be grateful for those who have given their lives in service to my country. In Jesus’ name. Amen.