"Really"

I don’t mind so much forgettin’,

‘Cause some memories get me sweatin’,

I’d sooner let ‘em go than to relive.

We’ve forgotten more than most know,

But it’s okay to let go,

‘Cause life is all about what God now gives.

When I hear a young man talkin’,

It’s not that I am balkin’,

I know the Lord can speak right through a youth.

But sometimes they seem bee-stung,

A swollen up with pride some,

Though what they say might still hold lots of truth.

I know I may sound grumpy,

Like some old horse that’s humpy,

Too crusty and too critical, that’s me.

God knows I have no business,

Finding fault with someone’s witness,

But sometimes there are things I can’t unsee.

It’s hard for me to trust one,

If all their battles they won,

And never seem to go through pain and loss.

If they live a little longer,

The trials will make them stronger,

‘Cause trouble’s not about a coin they toss.

Lord, help me to be patient,

And not so derned complacent,

‘Bout all the wisdom that you’ve given me.

I’ve learned by grace the hard way,

Life’s lessons that with me stay,

Show You are faithful, always will be.

And, yes, O Lord, you know me,

And what You ever show me,

Is share the mercy that You always give.

Speak the truth with Your love,

Deny the selfish push shove,

And by the Holy Spirit really live.

“…Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race…” (Phil. 3:13-14, NLT)

Becoming forgetful sometimes comes with maturity. Paul is speaking about an intentional forgetting that enables him to let go of the past in order to stay focused on God’s future. He does not literally forget anymore than we do. It’s that he remembers differently. The good he remembers but does not allow a positive from the past to steal the present or future. The bad he remembers but doesn’t allow anything negative to rob the present or future. He remembers without conceding control, and that’s what it means to “forget.” Oh, and there is much to experience and look forward to. If that’s hard to see right now, please look up. You are much further along and better off than you think. Believe it.

Lord, help us forget what we need to and remember without pain or regret what we can’t, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Anton, billantonstudios.com. Used by permission. Thanks, and God bless your day.