There is a lot about the past I am truly grateful for. I have been so blessed I relish going over memories that have joyfully brought me to where and who I am today. But dwelling too much in the past can sometimes lead to depression. I have had my share of regrets, failures and disappointments. Thinking too much of what-might-have-beens can give rise to bitter regrets and ultimately lead to depression.
There is a lot about the future I am excited about. If my past is any indication, then the best is yet to come. But the future is also fraught with a lot of uncertainty. I do not really know what tomorrow my bring. And seeing how fragile or fleeting life can be, how perilous the times we are living in are, the future does look grim and dreadful. Worrying too much about the future can make one anxious and apprehensive.
The present is the only time I really have. It is in the present that life takes place, not in the past nor in the future. The present has enough blessings to make me joyful. If I can catch the joy of the present I can store that as another joyful memory in my past. If I can truly relish the present, I can look forward to more similar moments in the future.
I am both a history and a promise. I am here because of my past and I am the beginning of a future yet to be born. But it is by working on my present that makes my past meaningful history and my future a promise that will be fulfilled. The birds of the air live for the day, not burdened by a yesterday. The lilies of the field bloom in beauty for the day, not anxious about tomorrow. If I but live fully for today, I shall have done justice to my past and unlocked the full potential of my future.
“For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.” say the Lord.
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear.
Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns,
yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are not you more important than they?
Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?
Why are you anxious about clothes?
Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.
But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them.
If God so clothes the grass of the field,
which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow,
will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’
or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’
All these things the pagans seek.
Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given you besides.”
Matthew 6:24-34