Record

There is much we can learn from history, even our own.  Far too often I find myself repeating the past.  It is almost as if I am determined to repeat my mistakes, periodically relive disasters, and never learn from the lessons at hand.  Our records have great moments and bad.  We all have a tale of extraordinary highs and incredible lows.  In the midst of the problems, chaos, and battles around us, we hold within us the ability to learn and grow from the moments at hand. 
 
Each generation wonders why those that follow cannot learn from their mistakes.  Before we push too hard we should realize how deep the problem go.  It isn’t with my kids or our generation.  Every generation before us has faced the same problem – on all levels!  In many circumstances the mandate to capture the lessons at hand was blunt and direct; “So, go now and write all this down.  Put it in a book so that the record will be there to instruct the coming generations, because this is a rebel generation, a people who lie, a people unwilling to listen to anything God tells them.”  (Isaiah 30.8, 9)
 
I wonder if I realize just where I stand on this bright, sun-filled day.  Do I see how many lessons are available for guidance and direction?  Am I willing to learn what happened yesterday or the day before.  Can I consider the lessons in your life and others?  Am I open?  Will I learn?  Does my blindness prevent me from seeing the record?
 
There is so much available.  If one can’t handle the tough lessons there are incredible case studies of beauty, kindness, and compassion we can focus on.  If one isn’t sure what can happen we have stories of success we can focus on.  If there is a doubt of what God’s community is really like – we have opportunities (often unorthodox) to experience.
 
Your story and mine continues.  I want life to be greater, bigger, and more beautiful than it has ever been.  One key is the lessons within us.