Lest We Forget

When I run I am usually pretty focused on my thoughts. Processing the latest scripture, image or words God has given me that morning. I also try to stay in tune with my surroundings and pay attention to any messages God wants to share with me that day.

Recently I was running out the neighborhood and just as I approached the little bridge over the creek my eye caught the image of a snake. Now mind you it was dead on the side of the road but I didn’t realize that at first and it startled me.  I  jumped a little and ran out of my way to get around it and then noticed it wasn’t moving. That and the fact it was kind of laying on its side.

Since I am a creature of habit and my neighborhood isn’t that big I have a particular route I like to run and I circle back across the bridge multiple times. Well, you may have already guessed what happened the next time I came back around, but I will tell you anyway. I jumped again and ran out around it like it was alive, just like I did the first time. I had already forgotten about it even being there. Then once again I realized it was dead and it couldn’t hurt me.

What if we forgot our past and went through the same mistakes over and over again? Startled each time we got hurt by someone. Not realizing they can’t hurt us anymore if we stay away. I think this is why it is important for us to remember the past we would like to forget. Not to drudge up old hurtful memories that keep us down but to remember the hurt it caused so we won’t repeat the same mistakes. For me, it also reminds me what God did for me. What He saved me from and for that my grateful meter is off the charts most days. It keeps me humble and thankful in a big way.

Once we are made alive in Christ we don’t want to go back to our old ways. We can’t forget the dangers- but they can’t hurt us anymore.

For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light form the Lord. So live as people  of the light! Ephesians 5:8

I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:20-23