Reminiscing

I’ve been in a very reflective mood lately, which is quite unusual for me. I had a very good childhood. I was blessed with a Christian family, had lots of friends, and life presented to me some pleasant opportunities. I look back and see that hand of God in my life in so many places.

When the Hebrew children crossed the Jordan River to inherit their promised land, God instructed them to send some men back to retrieve twelve stones from the still dry river bed. These stones were to be a memorial for ages to come which would testify of the great miracle that God had performed for them that day. As generations in posterity would pass by, they would see the stones piled up there and ask about them. The previous generation would then have an opportunity to declare the wonderful works of God to them.

I have had several “crossing” moments in my life – some more dramatic than others, but in all of them I have seen the faithfulness of God. While an obsession with living in the past can cripple growth and stifle faith, a healthy and occasional retrospect reminds us that we are on a journey, an adventure, with almighty God. We cannot fully appreciate where we are and comprehend where we are going without seeing clearly where we have been.

Anytime we travel somewhere new, I like to look at a map of the area after we have been there – to see where we went and how our location related to the rest of the local geography. I have learned that roads and locales were a lot closer than they seemed when I first travelled through and sometimes learned some shortcuts that made my next journey through that area easier and quicker.

So it is with taking some time to reflect on the things that have happened to us and how God has worked out things in our past. As we look back, we see patterns of how God interacts with our life and we are more prepared to recognize his presence in the future.

So let me suggest an exercise that hopefully can help you take a healthy look back. Some memories may be painful, some joyful, but God is at work in it all, revealing Himself and proving His faithful love to us.

First, make a list of the most significant event(s) – the fewer the better – that happened in each of the following segments of your life: (a) pre-teen years (6-12), (b) teen years, (c) early adulthood – premarriage, (d) early married life, (e) parenthood, (f) empty nest (if applicable).

Write each event at the top of a separate sheet of paper in a notebook or journal. And for each entry ask the following questions:

What was good
What was painful
What did I learn
Where was God
If I could do anything different, it would be ________________

As you compare the events, look for patterns, compare and contrast, consider the people who came and went in your life as well as those who have always been there for you. Which people provided support and good counsel? Which ones steered you wrong?

Then, create a new page at the end, that answers the following questions:

1. What have I learned about myself? About God?

2. What are some common threads that God has woven through my life?

3. In what ways did I demonstrate faith and strength?

4. What caused my failures?

5. Is there anyone I need to forgive?

6. Is there anyone who I need to ask to forgive me?

7. From today on, I will chart a course for growth, by ________________ (take as much space as you need for this one)

So here is to a little healthy “Reminiscing” (I was just listening to that song tonight!) and reflecting on the movement of God through our lives. He is faithful, but thank God He is not FINISHED! We pause to look back to get perspective as we move forward.