Reflections

by Jenice Saint

For the past few months, I’ve been thinking often about, and with many fond memories of, my past— my childhood, good times with family, experiences and bonds with friends at school and church, etc. My thinking about the past has also become a deep longing for times gone by. Perhaps it is because of my middle age, or because things seemed much simpler and relaxed before the pandemic, or maybe I just want to reinforce experiences in my memory so I don't forget them. These reflections on the past can be good unless I forget to live in and enjoy my present.

We should reflect and look back at all of the good things that God has done in our lives. We are blessed and God has been faithful. I can think of several “…but God” instances in my life when something terrible could have happened… but God... But for Jesus dying on the Cross and by accepting Him as my Lord and Savior at a very young age in life, I shudder to think where I might be. I didn’t deserve His grace and mercy but He gave it freely. I always want to remember His complete work on the Cross and His great love for me.

Many reflections on the past can be a source of thankfulness to God. I look back at my childhood and fondly remember times with family, a good foundation in the knowledge of God from church and teachers, wonderful experiences participating in Christian music at school and churches, and so many other great times in my life. For all those good times I am truly thankful. But I also need to remind myself to live today, begin to make more memories and look forward to what God will do today and in my future.

Some reflections on the past can also be a reminder to never do certain things or go certain ways in life again. Not all memories are good ones. In Philippians 3:13-14, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (NKJV). We do need to “forget” those past memories, failures, or anything that tries to resurface in our lives which would distract us from the relationship that Jesus desires to have with

us today. Reflecting on old wounds or times of hurt or bad relationships can keep you locked in the past in an unhealthy way. Throw away that old baggage because it’s not useful anymore.

In this season of the year when many of us are thinking about Christmas presents, remember that each day we are given is a “present” from God—one we can unwrap and live to the fullest. I will continue to reflect on my past with joy, but today, in the present, this is the day that the Lord has made. I choose to rejoice and be glad in it. Will you?

About The Author Jenice Saint is a graduate of Lee University. She sings on the praise team at Grace Community Church in Cleveland, Tennessee.

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