Past

I love the fact that cities are forever changing.  New buildings, institutions, restaurants, music venues, and shops all combine to form a forever changing mix of wonder, surprise, and enjoyment.  It is exciting!  There is so much waiting for the willing participant.  There is an unending supply of experience, lingering for the adventurous spirit.  In the ongoing chaotic surprise of it all, one can easily lose the sense of the past.  Perspectives flatten into the present, history morphs into a mist many dismiss, and the future marches on.
 
I believe every experience in life can be a springboard of opportunity.  God is engaged in our lives.  Relationships form some of the greatest human treasures.  We can learn.  We can grow.  We can be agents of change.  Each action starts in the past and reaches into the present.  The past matters, it is our reference point.  The past reminds us of those who were present.  The past paints a mosaic that instructs, encourages, and carries messages of hope.  In balance, the past tells the story of our soul.
 
I find myself looking back to see forward.  I find myself asking God where Divinity was in the beginning.  The answer is direct; “I made earth, and I created man and woman to live on it.  I handcrafted the skies and direct all the constellations in their turnings.”  (Isaiah 45.12)  I was involved.  God goes on to tell you and me of the present.  God is here.  God engages in your life and mine.  God brings hope. 
 
God is also asking us to help carry the gift to others.  The request does not come in a fog of ignorance.  God knows our past, intimately.  God sees our weaknesses, clearly.  God knows we will fail, again.  God knows and God still extends the invitation.  We are part of Divinity’s family.  God accepts us, just as we are.  God forgives, even before we make the next mistakes.  God invites, even in our state of confusion. 
 
Today we can remember.  Today we can live, in the moment and in presence of Hope.