There is a recurring theme across several conversations. Looking at life through yesterday’s eyes is not the only perspective we can or should use. Life tries to remind us that looking back to understand the past through today’s eyes can be helpful. The premise I keep coming back to is this; if one looks in all directions with a fresh, hopefully deeper and wiser, perspective, one has a chance to understand the lessons life gifted us with.
The whisper is easy to hear while being harder to embrace.
It starts with the antagonists that haunt our lives. Rarely are they the same today as they were in the past. In truth, divinity’s efforts often pay off; “I’ll send the God-haters cringing like dogs, never to be heard from again. ” (Psalm 81.15) The lesson I am left from is twofold. Challenges will remain, while the sources behind them change. Most of the time, the chaos and challenges that hit us are not intended to be personal. There are lots of reasons, many innocent and unintended.
It continues with an opportunity to focus on the opportunities versus struggle with the obstacles. Reaching for something now trumps the need to address any challenge of yesterday. There is a nuance of complexity in this, but it many ways it is very simple. Reach forward, not back. Focus on building by taking a positive step forward.
Move with a vision through eyes enriched by the lessons of yesterday. Reset the past with more understanding. Let go of what does not take one closer to one’s aspirations and hopes. See the failures and lessons as gifts that can help one live life with sharpened action, strengthened resolve, and increased awareness.
It is good to reflect on yesterday through today’s eyes. We have a window of opportunity that leads to understanding, compassion, and humbleness. If ignored now, memories fade with time. It can be a fearful journey but one that I have found laced with love and a sense of the possible. In our reflection, we open ourselves to a better today.
