That'll make an impression

There are many things someone can do to impress me. Stupid tricks, funny jokes, crazy stunts with their body, eating enormous amounts of food, skills in a sport, reflex speed.... This list really could go on a long time. However, one thing continues to impress me. It is the ability to use one's mind to remember those things which are "important." I'm talking specifically right now about the Bible.

Scripture memorization impresses me. I'm impressed by the "I can remember a verse word for word" thing like many people are, but that isn't what I'm talking about. I'm talking about remembering the overarching ideas and orders of stories in specific books. When someone says Philippians 2, I can't recall what it is about. I can't tell you what stories come in what order in what Gospel. I can't even remember how many chapters most of the books have. I wish I could. Maybe someday I'll be able to. I'm most impressed with people who can do this with almost any book of the Bible. I'm sure it starts by remembering one, and that is where I would need to start, but the motivation is lacking.

I don't simply want to be able to do this to impress (though I think it is pretty cool) but because I want God's word to be that close to me and my heart. I have a good memory. I remember things that I shouldn't, that aren't important, but that I can't forget. I can tell you the number of specific Wal-Mart semi-trucks I've passed on road trips to Kentucky, just because I made a joke about them. I am filled with information I will never need. Why can't I take the time to fill myself with information that I a) will need, and b) will fascinate me.

Someday I will. Years from now, I'll know the Bible better. I mean, I am reading it every day, so I'm bound to remember parts of it.

Will you grow with me? Will you decide to learn more? Let's take an intellectual endeavor to better understand (through memory) the scriptures. I'm game to start. Let's pick a book and begin. Whoever decides to respond first, will enable me to pick a book to learn better with them. Any following responses to jump on board, will simply be told, the book picked and the other people deciding to learn. If I don't get responses, well, then I guess I'll leave you all in the dust.

This is my next step forward.