I have been challenged recently to experience events with a different perspective. The challenge of looking with fresh eyes comes is the memories linked to similar events. Especially with ones which were not easy the first time, the act of stepping into a replay comes with an overwhelming wave of fears, uncertainties, and doubts. The outcome has reminded me of lessons which I often forget.
Whatever one’s fears might be from the past, always remember that you are alive and holding an opportunity in the moment. You and I hold the keys to the past’s voice and touch. One can use the past can inform and teach you. One can let the past bias you. An important lesson I find myself holding tight to my heart is of my ability to control. You and I decide how strong the past is in our life.
Knowing one is in control should not lead one to assume that managing biases is always easy. Quite to the contrary. Emotional memories create strong biases. Even the strongest is vulnerable to certain memories. While one may not be able to explain, biases are a reality for everyone, myself included.
Being aware of one’s biases and memories open a window to seeing a very different picture of events as they unfolded. I find verbalizing or writing one’s biases down is helpful, even if it is only a conversation with myself. As a result of doing this, the scene unfolding shifted even as though I was experiencing in the moment at hand. With the broader view, I saw myself and my actions in a new light.
The psalmist left us with a standing invitation; “Let’s go to the shrine dedication! Let’s worship at God’s own footstool!” (Psalm 132.7). There is little point in going through an endless replay of past experiences. Open one’s heart, let’s go of past biases and put them in context, and experience the moment with fresh eyes and a pure soul. Rediscovering what was lost can be an opportunity to embrace what you did not realize was already within.
