Is there value in looking back? I often hear that it's important to look forward because there's nothing you can do about the past. So why look back on what may be painful?
But I also know that history can teach us important lessons. And learning those lessons may prevent us from making more mistakes in the future.
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Big Sur, California |
I've been pouring over a box full of old journals I discovered while unpacking boxes during my recent move. I've also been looking at photos I've taken over the years. I'm looking for photos to frame and display on the walls of my new home. I smiled when I found this one taken back in 2006 in northern California. A fun time with good memories.
I've spent much time reading many of my journals. I poured my heart and soul into them. I am transported back to the feelings I had while writing. Some were joyful and others not so much. I notice an ongoing theme.
Heart Choices was a name I used over and over years before I began blogging. I always believed that we have choices to make in life. Every choice has consequences; some good, some not so good and others just plain bad. I also realize that not all choices I've made have been the best. But I can certainly learn from them.
Looking back, I see how faithful God has been in my life.
I also realize how many hours I've spent with dying people. I worked as a cardiovascular nurse specialist for 25 years. I recorded the stories of many of these people. I spoke at many of their funerals. My husband has often commented that he never knew anyone who had so many experiences with dying people. He's always encouraged me to write about what I learned from them.
Looking back, I see times when I was so joyful despite difficult circumstances. I see periods when it was so evident that the Lord was using me for His purposes.
And then there were times when I became so overwhelmed with my feelings. Feelings of sadness and frustration. I would give in to them and it spilled over into the words I wrote in my journals.
As I read the Psalms, I see David who also experienced many times of joy and many times of sadness. I am working on memorizing Psalm 25. I've found that it's a bit more difficult to memorize the older we get but I am determined.
Listen to verses 1-5:
"To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
I want to trust God with my life. I want to give Him my hurts, my anxieties, my hopes and my dreams. I want to give Him my past and my future. And I want to give Him my now; the present time.
So as I look back a bit, I am discovering that I have much to share. Lessons I've learned, prayers that were answered even when I couldn't see that at the time.
Looking forward, I can trust that God is faithful.
So where are you? Think about your life for a moment.
- Do you spend any time in the past?
- Do you always tend to focus on the future?
- Do you try to live your life being present in the now?
In the present, I know that God is faithful.
Will you think on these things for a moment?
I'm linking up for
Spiritual Sundays.
Blessings and love,