Anniversaries can hold sad memories.

They can bring back painful moments.

They are not always wrapped in pleasant emotions.

Yet I believe anniversaries must be remembered.

Even when they involve grief.

Even when they still bring tears to our eyes.

It is necessary to pause and recognize them.

Why?

Because when painful moments are ignored, they can become strongholds in our journey. And strongholds, if left unattended, can slow our growth, delay a blessing, and make our path feel uncertain.

I understand the kind of anniversary that tightens your chest.

The kind that whispers memories you didn’t ask to revisit.

Of course, we prefer the joyful celebrations, the laughter, the victories, the milestones that sparkle.

But look at it this way:

Even in painful anniversaries, there was learning.

There was growth.

There was recognition of opportunity.

There was a stepping stone placed quietly toward a future blessing.

So today, whatever anniversary memory comes to your heart,

Let’s face it. Eye to eye.

The ones we have already learned from, we can look at them and say, “You’re done.”

The ones we are still working through, face them with courage and grace.

And the ones filled with joy and laughter?

Look at those too… and give them a grateful thumbs-up.

Because every anniversary, painful or joyful, marks movement.

And movement means we are still growing!