On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me –

7 Bruins beating Trojans (38-28!),

6 Asian orbs, 5 manger scenes! 4 major awards, 3 dancing pigs, 2 handmade bells, and a portrait to put on the tree.

A shameless plug for UCLA? Okay, maybe a little. But even more, today is about celebrating places from our past (schools, cities, work places…) that have molded and influenced us.

The mention of a place can trigger so many memories: of people I love, wisdom I’ve learned, things I’ve done. So when I meet a fellow Bruin (UCLA), a Matador (CSUN), or a Terrier (BU), or someone who has lived in Boston, Orange County, or East Asia, I have an instant connection with them.

College, going overseas for a missions trip, graduate school, and maneuvering through new jobs were times I came into my own.

It’s where I discovered that journalism and writing in general were my passion. It’s where I fell in love with children’s books, like Robert McCloskey’s Make Way for Ducklings in Boston’s Public Garden. It’s where I met God and His people in profound ways (thank you Cru). And it was during this time that I met my wonderful husband. And the rest, shall we say, is history.

What places bring back good memories for you? More than a vacation (I will cover this later), these are places where you spent significant time. Chances are, not all the memories were good ones, but hopefully something positive came out of even the difficulties. And with hindsight, maybe you can see its significance in your life now.

Personal history is not to be dismissed. When brought up from time to time and seen through a fresh lens, it can actually help direct our future for the better.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me – visit here tomorrow to see.