November 18
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of
old.” Isaiah 43:18
Memories flash before our eyes like a movie . . . moments recorded in time that bring with them a mix of strong emotion. Recalling the laughter that echoed throughout a room in an instant can vibrate joy within, just as the remembrance of the pain of loss, with its heavy weight upon us, can darken our spirits. Even the memories of “good times” have the ability to overtake us and provide fodder for dissatisfaction with our current situation.
Our hope is that when our spirits are ready, we move on from those memories to the present, and healthily combine those thoughts and experiences along with the raw feelings attached, to what is now. For some of us that is easier to do than for others who for many reasons are trapped in their past, struggling at best to face a new day.
As Isaiah reminds us, it is necessary to remember, but perhaps even more important to keep in mind that life experiences are the springboards that thrust us forward; meant to savor, let go of, and then to grow from. For when we hold on to the past too tightly, we miss out on what is going on right now, right in front of us. We miss the moment. We miss opportunities to be present with one another and with God. Unless we are able to reach toward Him, we fail to notice a chance to expand our spirits. We miss out on the life and love that is surrounding us, and we become stagnant, stuck in a place filled with “ourselves.”
But the human spirit is remarkable! Miraculous! It doesn’t take much for us to see and feel the hope we are inherently given by God through the gift of life surrounding us! Throughout this chapter of Isaiah, God repeatedly tells Isaiah not to fear, to remember that no matter what is being endured, whether in the past or in the present, that God is with him - and with us always. He speaks with Isaiah also about being alert to a new opportunity, one that He has provided, for God so desires our spirits to be renewed.
Each one of us has precious memories that we treasure, but none can compare with the remembrance one day we will have of the magnitude of the generosity and goodness God has filled our days with.
Oh God, when we dwell on past experiences, the challenges and the good that you have blessed us with, help us to discern which things to let go of, so we may be present to what you have blessed us with at the moment.
Addendum
When I wrote this, I had no idea that I would be publishing it following the events of yesterday. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people in the Midwest for their loss of life and property during these devastating storms and tornados. It is heartbreaking to see what must be endured, and having witnessed the aftermath of the horrible tornados in Springfield, MA in 2011, I have some sense of what is ahead for this area.
Many times this morning, people that were interviewed stated that after making sure their loved ones were all right, the one thing they searched for in the rubble was - their pictures and videos of their families. Yes, our memories are meant to treasure, for sure. May God be with all who are suffering at this moment.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of
old.” Isaiah 43:18
Memories flash before our eyes like a movie . . . moments recorded in time that bring with them a mix of strong emotion. Recalling the laughter that echoed throughout a room in an instant can vibrate joy within, just as the remembrance of the pain of loss, with its heavy weight upon us, can darken our spirits. Even the memories of “good times” have the ability to overtake us and provide fodder for dissatisfaction with our current situation.
Our hope is that when our spirits are ready, we move on from those memories to the present, and healthily combine those thoughts and experiences along with the raw feelings attached, to what is now. For some of us that is easier to do than for others who for many reasons are trapped in their past, struggling at best to face a new day.
As Isaiah reminds us, it is necessary to remember, but perhaps even more important to keep in mind that life experiences are the springboards that thrust us forward; meant to savor, let go of, and then to grow from. For when we hold on to the past too tightly, we miss out on what is going on right now, right in front of us. We miss the moment. We miss opportunities to be present with one another and with God. Unless we are able to reach toward Him, we fail to notice a chance to expand our spirits. We miss out on the life and love that is surrounding us, and we become stagnant, stuck in a place filled with “ourselves.”
But the human spirit is remarkable! Miraculous! It doesn’t take much for us to see and feel the hope we are inherently given by God through the gift of life surrounding us! Throughout this chapter of Isaiah, God repeatedly tells Isaiah not to fear, to remember that no matter what is being endured, whether in the past or in the present, that God is with him - and with us always. He speaks with Isaiah also about being alert to a new opportunity, one that He has provided, for God so desires our spirits to be renewed.
Each one of us has precious memories that we treasure, but none can compare with the remembrance one day we will have of the magnitude of the generosity and goodness God has filled our days with.
Oh God, when we dwell on past experiences, the challenges and the good that you have blessed us with, help us to discern which things to let go of, so we may be present to what you have blessed us with at the moment.
Addendum
When I wrote this, I had no idea that I would be publishing it following the events of yesterday. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people in the Midwest for their loss of life and property during these devastating storms and tornados. It is heartbreaking to see what must be endured, and having witnessed the aftermath of the horrible tornados in Springfield, MA in 2011, I have some sense of what is ahead for this area.
Many times this morning, people that were interviewed stated that after making sure their loved ones were all right, the one thing they searched for in the rubble was - their pictures and videos of their families. Yes, our memories are meant to treasure, for sure. May God be with all who are suffering at this moment.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson