The Past is Part of the Path

Days ago, I began digging into Chazown, a book by author and pastor, Craig Groeschel of Life.Church.  The posts involved are in succession, each setting the stage for the next and so on; so if you're new here, please visit this post first.  In the book whose mission it is to assist believers in finding their chazown - their vision - after the composition of one's own epitaph, the next begins explaining the three circles, beginning with the circle of core values, explained in this post.  The next circle is exploration of what gifts and talents one has, as explained here.  The final circle deals with past experiences and how they can help reveal what God has designed the individual to accomplish.

What happens to people and what they do with what happens to them determines the trajectory of the remainder of their days.  As such, while one might stiffen at the idiom, "everything happens for a reason," we can safely assert that we are able to find meaning and purpose to galvanize us when we are willing to allow God to shift our perspective and see the potential.  It shouldn't take long for a reflective person to look back on his or her life and see where events that seemed random at the time were more obviously catalysts on an individual or collective basis.  This applies to both the pleasurable outcomes and the painful ones.

Groeschel asserts that, "your past often holds the key to unlock your future."  Grief and loss can foster empathy, wisdom, and compassionate effort.  The ability to provide comfort relevant to each loss is not to be underestimated.  Painful experiences change us in unique ways, like a chisel creating a masterpiece and a mess all around it all at once.  With what I've personally experienced, I can find joy in the junkyard as easily as on a playground - its resilience and strength I could never have known had it not been for the walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Image source:  https://www.magiceye.com/portfolio-items/pegusus/

Groeschel used the "magic eye pictures" to illustrate the point that a shift in focus makes all the difference.  These pictures seem to be nothing but random colors and shapes on a canvas; but with the proper focus, a depth of meaning can be conceived with the same eyes, now opened anew.  Ask God to give you eyes to perceive His purpose in both the good and bad - even the ugly - pictures of your life. 

Life can only be lived forward; and while the past is a precious resource from which to learn and grow, we will never be able to run the race with perseverance (Hebrews 12:1-3) if we cling to what no longer is.

Jotting with Johnna:

• What do your painful and your pleasurable/positive experiences have in common (or in stark contrast)?
• What do you think your experiences have done within you to prepare you for future pursuits?
• How have you changed - and should your response be challenged afresh?
• What potent experiences (hurtful and helpful alike) might God want to use?
• Regarding the next chapter of your life story, what possible title(s) come to mind as you consider the past behind you and the path before you?

Remember:
Notice all kind of experiences, denoting blessings and obstacles you have faced.  You are so very worthy of the vision quest which will reveal their use in your future.  Romans 8:28-29 encourages all believers that God does indeed work all things to the good of those who love Him and are called according to His good purpose.  That's me and that's you; but that's not always in the timing we would see favorably.  One of my favorite movie quotes of all time is from The Shawshank Redemption (1994).  Morgan Freeman's character, Red, tells Tim Robbins' character, Andy, "...get busy living or get busy dying."  Let the past be what it is where it is, let God redeem it; and let's get busy living.

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.