Learn from the past — don’t set up camp there.

The past can be our greatest teacher or it can keep us from moving forward...

Ecclesiastes 7:10 says,

10 Do not say, ‘Why is it that the former days were better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.

This verse tells us that a wise person does not live in the good ol’ days. A wise person learns from them.

I was recently “helping” my wife with some shopping at one of the local malls when we met a wonderful young lady who was an employee of the store.

The cashier’s computers were slow that night and it gave us a chance to chat for a minute. The conversation led to talking about family and she said something that was mature beyond her years.

She told us her family was very wise because they had lots of "life experiences.” I saw an opportunity to process something myself and perhaps give her a chance to see if my conclusion sounded true to her or not. So I said…

People who learn from life experiences get wisdom, people who don’t become victims.

I know when I dwell on what I loved about the past, or when I let what I didn’t like from the past stay with me, I get stuck in life.

We really don’t have eyes in the back of our heads, so whichever way you are facing is the direction you are headed.

The problem with dwelling on the past is that time keeps moving forward, and time is a current that is better gone with than against.

If I learn why the past seemed positive or negative I may be able to incorporate or prevent those “why’s” into my future. However, life is full of unexpected surprises and challenges, so a better approach may be to view our life experiences as an opportunity to learn and not to blame.

Today is the good ol’ days of tomorrow, so we should enjoy them now. Or, if things are tough, remember that they will change.

There is wisdom in reflecting on the past in order to learn from it, but don't allow it to consume your present.

Blessings,

Dean