The Canvas of the Past

Have you ever been busy at work, minding your own business when all of the sudden a flood of memories hits you in the face like a pillow-case full of soda cans? Then one memory brings along another, and another and yet another; sometimes related and sometimes on the opposite end of the spectrum. Soon, you're overwhelmed and sinking in the mire of thought of the past. It's interesting, the emotional power of the past and the dramatic influence which we allow the present and our future to be governed. It is affecting.

Our past is to us as the canvas is to the artist. Each memory we paint has its own canvas; its own beauty and place on the walls of our mind. We don't choose only the good and pleasant memories, those that make us smile, and in fact we have no choice what we put on canvas. There are those which make us swell with pride and joy, those that we weep over and yes, those we are disgusted with. Like any work of art, we can choose to either seek it's meaning and learn from them or turn our face in defiance, refusing to see its message, missing its inherent value altogether.

Recently, I have uncovered a treasure trove of memories; locked away in a forgotten vault in the gallery of my mind with far more works that what I currently had chosen to put on display. Masterpieces of various artists with such detail and vividity you're swept away to that forgotten time and place to relive the moment once more. I have discovered a simple yet profound truth. My memories and not mine alone, they are shared and at times created by or in cooperation with someone else. And yet it is those masterpieces created by another that are the most powerful.

In understanding the power of someone else’s work, I now believe there is a third option we can choose when it comes to memories. Appreciate them for what they are and be thankful to have lived through or experienced that moment in time. Our past or more specifically, memories do not dictate who we are or who we will be. True there is some influence, but knowing that the majority of our precious memories are not creations of our own but rather another who is responsible for each deliberate stroke of the brush, we can choose to diminish the affect that moment has on our future.

So.......... what will you paint in someone’s life today?

Father God, Thank You for the loving direction You provide to us in our daily walk with you. Thank You for the understanding, patience and forgiveness as I fail You time and time again. You have given me so many memories of love and joy. Memories of friends and loved ones whom have come to live in your kingdom. Memories or heartbreak, moments of despair and regret. So many works of art that are precious cargo. Blessed is Your name, for throughout our time, You have been right there with us and have guided us with the light of Your love. Allow me to remember that my works may end up on someone else's canvas so that I may create for them something so beautiful and special that this memory will be cherished for all time and bring You glory. I know not what You have planned for my life and works, only that You are the author and I want to follow Your will. Express my love and fill the hearts of those I love with my good works; my good memories, so that they may feel my deep love for them and desire of forgiveness for my failures and all the hurt I may have and probably will cause as I am just a man, broken and faulted by sin, just as all of Your children are. It is in your name and authority I pray, Amen.