Looking back-reaching forward

A New Year causes us to reminisce about the past. The church in the picture brings back many memories.  I, Marilyn, was baptized there, learned the catechism (Bible) lessons there, was married there.  It holds memories dear to me. As you recall what lies behind you, you will find joyous memories, difficult memories, decisions which you wish you could do over, blessings which linger in your mind, relationships which could have been nurtured better, etc. Good and not so good memories make up who we are today and shape the way we see ourselves and others.  It is not wrong to learn from the past  and relive the good.  In my book, I've Always Been Rich, I reflect on the ways my past shaped my future.  Godly parents, healthy children, loving husband, God's blessings, always having enough of this world's goods to give me a satisfied disposition.  In the Old Testament, the first part of the Bible, God often recalls for the children of Israel how they goofed up (mistake, blunder, got into trouble) and how they were suffering now because of it.  The whole issue of GRACE had not been instituted yet because Jesus Christ had not yet come to live on this earth and to die for us to bring  about the whole covenant of Grace. I will explain that in more detail next week.  Since Christ came into the world we can confidentially say as the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:13, "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us"  New Living Translation.  Paul took courage in that.  God does not hold us to the past, in fact, he forgets the past and encourages us to look to what lies ahead and strive for the prize He has set before us.  That is freeing.  We don't have to carry the weight of the past but can start anew always striving to win the prize which God has called us to.  Sometimes that is not a comfortable feeling because we wander into the unknown. It is easier to look into the rear view mirror and see where we have been. I challenge you that it may be out of your comfort zone, out of where you think your abilities and talents are but it is totally worth it.  Forget the butterflies which suddenly invade your stomach, God's grace and power are far superior to those butterflies and He will give you what your need.  This year, 2017, will have it's trying moments but with the hope and the help of God it can be one of the best ones you have ever experienced. God's blessing to you  and yours in the New Year.
As always, if you want to email me, please do.  Address is mjrevmom6@aol.com.  Books to buy are at Amazon.com, Barnes andNoble.com or your local Christian bookstore.