Whether we like it or not, we all have a past. How do you see your past? More half-full or more half-empty? I’m having a bit of a nostalgic Saturday as I’m headed to my Great Aunt Mabel’s funeral. She lived to be 102 and was such a delightful woman to know. Did I mention what a great cook and entertainer she was? I’m obviously choosing to look at her memory with fondness.
Here are some ways our pasts can have a dramatic impact on our lives.
- We focus on only the good times. If we only see the good and do not acknowledge the bad, we make it harder to reach contentment when not everything turns out perfectly in our present or futures. Not everything comes easily to us.
- We focus only on the bad times. This will make anyone negative 100% of the time. We must acknowledge the bad while still trying to find the silver lining. We never know the hearts of others like God does. Perhaps their bad day with you wasn’t who they really were. Don’t we all have bad days? Which leads to the next point…
- We allow our past to control us. Can’t let go of that hurt? Can’t forgive? You harbor resentment? These feelings will control your thoughts and your mind until the “past” is somehow becoming your present and future.
- We learn from our past. As I sit on a swing, I remember playing games with my grandparents and spending time with my cousins. I choose to learn from these memories about how short life is. I want to treasure those around me and let them know how much I love them.
Our past really is a funny thing. How we see our past can impact both our present and future. Do you have hurts you need to let go? Is there someone you need to call to be reconciled? Discontented with where you are based on past expectations? Don’t allow another day to go by where your past is spilling poison into your present. Each day is a gift of God. To whom do you need to share that gift?
© 2017 Susan M. Sims
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Loved this article, Susan. As I get older, I am trying to dwell more and more on the good memories. I have been blessed to have plenty of those! Life wasn’t always easy, but, God was always faithful Praise His Name!