Past, Present, and Future

Happy Tuesday!

"I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me...I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  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..." Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Past: definition: adj. gone by or elapsed in time; of, having existed in, or having occured during a time previous to the present; bygone. (dictionary.reference.com)  The past is contrasted with and defined by the present and the future. (en.wikipedia.org)

The apostle Paul in this instance speaks to forgetting the past, ie, LET IT GO! We have the propensity to hold on to the past and not let it go.  I believe it's important to understand where our journey began, to assess what has taken place along that journey and how it has affected us but at some point we have to move forward.  Yes, our past shapes us...for better or for worse...it does shape us.  How our parents loved or didn't love us; love affairs that brought about disappointment or hurt; a best friend who turned out to truly not be a friend, etc.  No matter what has occurred in our past we have to find the strength to move forward, forget and let go. 

How are you allowing your past to shape your present life?

Present: definition: adj. being, existing, or occurring at this time or now; current.(dictionary.reference.com) It is a period of time between the past and the future, and can vary in meaning from being an instant to a day or longer. (en.wikipedia.org)

My Motto: Existing to live, not living to exist! In order to be successful at existing to live we have to let go of the past and not allow it to be a burden preventing us from being, existing, growing. We should wholeheartedly live each day like it's our last.  Love like we've never been hurt. Smile like we've never been disappointed.  Cry to bring about healing.  Laugh with glee until you cry.  Forgive because we have been forgiven.  Make a positive difference in someone else's life.  Be open to POSSIBILITIES! 

How are you living your present life to shape your future?

Future: definition: adj. that is to be or come hereafter; something that will exist or happen in time to come. (dictionary.reference.com) The future is the indefinite time period after the present. (en.wikipedia.org)

The future...now this is a tough one.  I suppose the fruits of our labor will manifest themselves as time progresses.  I like the definition - indefinite time period after the present.  Limitless possibilities are in the making as we plant seeds of sincere love, watered with drops of courage and determination, and doses of dreams given to our children.  We reap what we sow.  I will repeat that...We reap what we sow. 

What are you sowing?

A woman whose heart is working on being hidden in Christ...

Mel