Actually… what’s the point of remembering the bad? And exactly how did the bad affect you? We’re you a better person because of it? Did you understand more? If the answers to those 2 questions is negative, then why hold on to those memories? Too often too many of us do two self-defeating actions: 1- we only focus on the ‘good’ at Thanksgiving and 2- we hold on to the bad because it does give us our ‘identity’ (we think).
I think I use part of my prayer time to rehearse all the good that I can see in my life. When I say it out loud, because I never pray only in my head, it brings back all of what happened at that time… sometimes even what I was wearing and had been doing prior to the (fill in the blank). For me, remembering one good/positive memory typically triggers other good/positive memories.
Minimally, I try to set aside some time every day to remember my ‘good’. What was said, by whom, how I felt, what I observed from others if this was not a solo event. But what I do try to focus on are the lessons… what did I learn? How has it impacted and influenced me? Am I applying the learning? etc. However… do I hear you saying – why? Why spend time remembering and rehearsing yesterday? And especially since I emphasize living in the now….
One scripture that speaks to remembering the good (there are over 100) and perhaps a warning from the good
Revelation 3:3
“So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.”
When I first read this scripture, I was reminded of the parable of the 6 wise and 6 foolish virgins. There’s a place and time for remembering. I simply choose to focus on the positive, on the good. It’s not that I forget those lessons when I made the wrong decision or a hurtful one… they are always there somewhere attempting to become a good reminder of what not to do. It is more of the reality that I spend a greater amount of time remembering all the good and the scripture that tells me:
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].”
(James 1:17, AMP)“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP)
“Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done,
His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,” (1 Chronicles 16:12)
All that is sufficient reason for me to remember all the good…
