PAST - PRESENT - FUTURE

PAST – PRESENT – FUTURE

PRACTICE: Past (savoring what was), Present (what I have in the moment), Future (anticipating what is to come), which shapes your life?

I have never ridden a train for a long distance, i.e., cross country, overnight, but I would love to do so. I have taken short junkets to enjoy a scenic view, to a winery etc. There is something nostalgic about a train ride that conjures up the past – old westerns and romantic movies. Every time I am on a train the gentle rocking motions acts as a hypnotic and I fall asleep, missing what I was supposed to enjoy. It never fails, when I wake up, I become concerned about how long I slept, what I missed during naptime, what is next stop or site, how far to the destination.

Just thinking of this scenario considering today’s subject, reveals that I made the effort to have an experience that mimics a past that I truly know nothing about, I awaken and am concerned about the past and the future. I don’t ever remember speaking of the present moment which is the only thing that I fleetingly possess. I take that for granted.

Honestly, I live life very similar to my train experiences. I often long for what was, savoring the past – but like my nostalgic feelings about the train, the past can’t be reclaimed nor can the things I missed while I snoozed. Let’s be for real, the past is never as glorious as we remember. Had I ridden a train prior to 1968, I possibly would not have been allowed to sit where I wanted etc. Living in the future -anticipating what is to come is futile. Just as I can’t make a train back up, move faster or smoother, no matter how much I anticipate what is next -I can’t speed up time. The only thing I hold in my hand is the present. So why not love the moment, claim it, take hold of it – relish it -squeeze the juice out of THE MOMENT? Fueled by thoughts of the past, use the present to gain energy, sustenance, strength, refreshment for what is to come.

What might I achieve if I applied this principle to nutrition or exercise routines? Instead of wishing I could have cake and ice cream, I just savored the taste of each bite of brussels sprouts and chicken – instead of wishing the walk would end, I listened to the sound of my footstep on the pavement.

Psalm 46:10

PONDER THIS THOUGHT---Wishing for the past or the future produces the same results.