Review and Renew
It’s not widely known, but I love audiobooks—a habit that’s shaped the rhythms of my life and, more often than I realize, the quiet spaces of my soul.
In my 30s, I found myself balancing family, college classes, and hours on the road as a driver for a car service. Those long, empty drives between the airport and the next pickup could feel endless without a good audiobook to carry my mind away.
That simple habit changed everything. The technology evolved—cassettes gave way to CDs and then to digital downloads from Audible.com. Suddenly, my favorite books were just a click away—though at a price.
Then came public library downloads: free, but with digital due dates. If I didn’t wrap up in time, the book would just disappear from my player. If no one was waiting for the book, I could renew the download—but only if I did it before the due date. Otherwise—poof—it would simply disappear, like a shiny coin in a magician’s hand.
That experience echoes a deeper lesson. I’m reminded of Romans 12:2, which tells us:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This principle is vividly portrayed in Memento, one of the most unique movies I’ve ever seen. The protagonist, unable to form new memories, must constantly leave himself notes and Polaroids—gentle reminders of who he is, where he’s going, and why his journey matters.
In many ways, we need similar reminders in our faith. Without intentionally anchoring ourselves in God’s Word and in the memory of His faithfulness, we, too, can lose our way—adrift in the fog of life’s present struggles.
My career in teaching taught me a similar truth: we can never review what we’ve learned enough. In our spiritual lives, new worries and events crowd out yesterday’s lessons, which is why regularly remembering and revisiting God’s faithfulness is crucial to an effective walk with God each day.
So when your relationship with God begins to feel cold or distant, remember to “click renew” each day—open your Bible, seek your loving Father, and be refreshed. And please allow this teacher to remind you of the need for constant review of the faithfulness of God our Father:
“I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:11–12)
. . . and that’s what I know today.
