REMEMBER NOT TO FORGET

Dr. Sax, in The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, tells the story of Jimmy G. Suffering from Korsakoff Syndrome caused by alcohol abuse, he had experienced total short-term memory loss. Although 49 years old, he was convinced he was only 19. A battery of tests confirmed his condition. He was shown three objects, which were then covered up. Asked to identify them one minute later, he had no recollection of the objects ever being revealed to him. When put in front of a mirror, he became agitated and confused, believing he was only 19. One minute later, he had forgotten the entire incident had occurred. The doctor referenced him as a “lost soul.”

It's hard to comprehend possessing such a horrible condition, yet at times, we all suffer from “Spiritual Korsakoff Syndrome.” In the midst of daily struggles, we fail to recall the magnitude of God’s blessings. In contrast, expressing thanksgiving transports us to a different dimension; into the very presence of  God. Psalm 100:4 states, "You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise. Come right into his presence with thanksgiving."  (TPT)

Near the end of his life, Moses warned Israel to “remember not to forget” all God did for them. He reminds them, that when they're settled and satisfied in the Promised Land, to "be careful that you do not forget the Lord..." (8:11). "You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth." (v 17-18)

Years ago on an episode of The Simpsons, Bart was saying grace before a meal (you can already sense trouble, can't you). He prayed, "We bought the food and cooked it, so thanks for nothing, God!" As you celebrate Thanksgiving today, "remember not to forget" the overwhelming blessings of God. Korsakoff Syndrome can take many forms; perhaps the deadliest being memory loss of the gifts for which we need to be thankful, such as family, friends, food and faith.