Monday, March 16, 2009

The Danger of Living in The Past

Most people live in the past. When you find yourself alone, you inevitably revisit the past. Recalling things that will help us in the Present Moment is fine. For instance, the alcoholic who recalls the fact that he can’t have even one drink is necessary and helpful. It is the reliving of the past, the endless rehashing to the point where it affects your soul that is dangerous.

Part of repentance is to remember your past sins and give your love to Jesus. But most people live in their past, in sin, guilt, remorse, resentment. They see every tiny detail related to those past events. They are actually living in that moment, and it’s wrong. Because the moment you have now, this Present Moment, is all you have. You don’t have the next moment, and the past is gone forever. But we keep bringing it back- “someone offended me,” “someone said something” -and we keep reliving it in our minds over and over and over. You are then living in a moment that is gone, a fantasy.

This happens with glory too. You reinvision past successes in your life, past beauty. And you live in it so frequently that it becomes a reality for you—all the compliments, all the adulation. You are misusing a beautiful faculty, and it will warp your whole personality.

On the other hand, if you are living in a distasteful situation that happened last week or last month and someone comes to you needing your patience or charity you’re going to strike out at them with impatience and anger, even though they did nothing. You’re not at home in the Present Moment. It paralyzes you, because you are not attuned to God and His love in this Present Moment.
---Little Book of Life's Lessons and Everyday Spirituality (Mother Angelica)
Shawie

10 Grateful Heart's Words:

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

What is important is that we live for the Lord. The past, the present and the future are all surrendered to the gracious hands of God who alone ordains the fate of all His creation. Thanks for the profound post. God bless you always.

Anonymous said...

Hi!
I think I am one of that person at this moment.
I wish that feeling can go away.
Thank you for dropping by.

Debbie Petras said...

If I believe God can forgive me, then I need to forgive myself. It's good to confess but then put it behind you and learn from it. I hate to keep repeating the same mistakes over and over.

If I don't forgive someone, I end up harboring bitterness which eats at me. And that's not good. The only one I'm hurting is me. So, I need to forgive and move on. And not everyone will say they are sorry. I've had times when I thought they should apologize but never did. But if you wait for that, it may never happen. So, forgive and release yourself from all bitterness.

Unknown said...

I am sometimes like this too - I guess it's just our nature.

I try to change though coz when I think about it all the time- it will just make me an angry woman and that's not good. I don't want to be an angry soul all the time.

Duni said...

I agree wholeheartedly. Thankfully, I've learned to leave the past behind and move on. It makes me sad when I see members of my family who are still living in the past, but it's their choice.

Rick said...

Wow, that is so profound. I hope that someday I can learn to use that advice fully. I'm still trying, and I'm getting better at living in the present rather than the past or future, but I have a long ways to go.
Thank You for the insight.

Jackie said...

Shawie I am so glad that you decided to write to God when you were a little girl.

Because you are so wise and spread so much warmth everywhere.

I am going to do your tag this afternoon for tomorrow's post.

I have had a difficult week with many issues....including EC.

But, they have changed their terms and are not going to force adds on us...so I am back.

It will take me a while to get all of my credits back and such...but, I stood by my principles and made the decision to cancel everything.

I did not want adds on my site that might have been inappropriate. And I thought to penalize me for rejecting such adds was wrong.

But, they reversed that so here I am dropping again.

I stopped by last night and looked at the tag again. I have been putting much thought into it.

I will do my best for you.

Blessings,
Jackie:-)

Alicia said...

I'll be the first to admit that I often live in the past. Or even during the present I only see the "storms surrounding me." But I can testify that when my gaze is truly fixed on the Lord He brings me into His presence that helps me see things as they really are and as they really will be, He opens my eyes to see the present as a gift and hope reigns.

Anonymous said...

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Have a great day.. Cheers!!!

Cacai M. said...

This is a very good word of wisdom to carry on Te Shaw. I really like the thought.

Anyway, I have an award for you. It's a "FRIENDLY BLOGGER AWARD". Please do check my recent post which I posted yesterday. Hope you will grab this now and also hope you like it. Muahhugs. See yah there- it's waiting of you. have a blessed St. Patrick's Day Te Shaw!