Inspired by Wednesday: Baggage
We do that in life, too. We try to go forward while looking back at our past. We return to anger. We entertain- what ifs and guilt. We rehearse our mistakes. We can’t seem to leave the past in the past. Sometimes, we throw it in a bag and carry it with us.
But, looking back while moving forward will:
- Confuse your progress
- Weigh down your heart
- Cause you to stumble
- Encourage bitterness
- Tear down the building
- Launch the tears -again
The best way to leave the past behind is to stop looking for it. If remembering your past does not benefit you in some way, it is time to let it go.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43: 18-19 (NIV)
So what if we’ve made bad decisions and mistakes. We learn. We are certainly not the sum of our mistakes. We are the sum of collective living -the good and bad.
"But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
Moving forward while looking back is not a natural thing and it can be hazardous. I don't know about you but I'm ready to stop carrying baggage that I don't need.
Comments
When I did a post on pillar boxes and their coming into being 140 years ago or so .. I wrote this:
"Law of Unintended Consequences – the first was the painting of the pillar boxes a bronze green colour chosen as it was thought that would be unobtrusive. Too unobtrusive as it turned out – people kept walking into them. So red they became." .. hence our red pillar boxes here in England!
Don't we all carry our baggage with us .. finally we have a new manager up at my Mother's Nursing Centre - who is proactive and will get on with things, so I can rest assured about my Mother - while at the same time I can leave my past behind and get on with a positive frame of mind.
Life can have its ups and downs - but one of the main things is being able to learn to leave behind - "now" is the time - as in NOW!
Have a good week and Spring ahead .. Hilary
ann
Angela
Great post, girl!
God bless and have a wonderful Wednesday!!!
BTW, it's not just you, I actually walked into a manequin once too!!!
Thanks.
I mentioned you in my blog awards and inspirations on my blog yesterday. Your words are a joy to read.
I suggested that she write those past demons haunting her on a piece of paper and flush 'em.
Wonderful blog post, as usual.
P
I am reminded of a poem about a ploughman who kept looking forward. If he looked behind too much, his furrow would stray and bend.
The Old Silly