By Brad Campbell

Just a thought to help start your week.

I went back to some “oldies” and pulled out this gem.  That’s me on the far left along with some of my cousins at our grandparents’ house one Christmas.  I enjoy looking back through the old pictures and seeing what things were like.  I don’t always remember the particular occasion, but I remember those people.

Looking back at our past can be fun.  However, it can also be saddening.  We remember those who are no longer with us, and we drag up memories of tough times or of sins that we have committed and wrongs we have done.  

What I believe we need to remember is that the past is just that.  It’s past.  It’s over.  The only thing I can do about my wrongs of yesterday is to beg the Lord for forgiveness and to plan to live my today and tomorrow in a much better fashion.

And that word “fashion” brings to mind a different kind of “fashion” as you look at the clothing we wore way back when.  Bell-bottoms may come and go, but I hated them the first time around.  Some things from our past may continue as uncomfortable memories, but use them as reminders of how great the future for the child of God will be!  Remember your past, and use it to plan a glorious future.