day 190: Memory Masters

Every few years or so a business book will come out about how important it is to have a strong memory in order to be successful. It is true that many amazing people, business people and others alike, who have an extraordinary memory seem to do well in whatever their endeavors. I once met, Richard Lugar, United States Senator from Indiana when I was a senior in high school. He was spending a few hours at our high school and I was privileged enough to be his guide that morning. There was nothing remarkable about the day or noteworthy about our time together. It was definately memorable though to a high school senior but to a United States Senator, it was just another day in the life. Nearly three years later I was at an event (which I can't even remember what it was now) at Purdue University and Senator Lugar was there. I casually went up to him after the event to reintroduce myself. I was all prepared to remind him that I had been his guide one morning three years ago, etc. But before I could even get those words out of my head, he said, "Hello Rusty, how have you been?" It was an amazing moment of memory that made me feel as special as one could ever feel. I later learned from others that this was not unique for the Senator. He just has that type of memory. I never did. As jobs got more complex and more information was passing through my head I took to writing copious notes from every meeting in bound lined writing books, filling two to three per calendar year. These were great as I felt I could leave some of the clutter on the pages and not have to fill my head with those details. Maybe there are some really extraordinary minds like Senator Lugar's who can remember everything, but for the rest of us, we have to choose what to try and retain and what to let go. As believers who are faced with the challenges of trying to live our purpose through our work, there is no more powerful tool to have than to be able to draw on God's word for direction, understanding, comfort, or defense. If there is one set of information that you want to make room for in the hard-drive of your mind, it is God's word. Proverbs 22:18 says; "For it is good to keep these sayings deep within yourself, always ready on your lips." The words can't be on your lips if they are not embedded within your memory and your heart. Yes, there are many areas and things to focus on at work, but start with the rock-solid foundation of God's word and you will find that your footing will never be stronger. If you are going to become a memory master, you know where to start.

Reference: Proverbs 22:18 (New Living Testament)