Some moments in time are like dividing lines between seasons of learning, maturing, and growing. Think of those moments where your decisions might have been a bit more wise, clear, and spiritually discerning. Mind you, we don’t live in the past, but we should reflect on it in order to learn. Over the last few weeks I have been in a mode where even in my dreams my past decisions have been looming up in front of me. It’s amazing how the thoughts of possible upcoming trials can spin us into moments of evaluation.
It’s good to evaluate. It brings clarity into our lives and sometimes we even see the gift that resides within what we deem as mistakes. Remember, whatever choices you made in the past were the right ones for the moment according to where you were in maturity, understanding, and faith. There is nothing that grows us up faster than what we see as a wrong decision. Putting things in perspective, there is never really a wrong decision. It is just a decision. The label of “wrong” is something we place upon ourselves out of judgement.
Judgement comes from criticism and thinking something is below or beneath us. Observation comes with logic from the mind and spiritual grace with discernment. Remember when evaluating the past or even the present, to do so as “the observer” and not “the judge and jury”. God’s grace is sufficient to cover us in all of our decisions regardless to how we tend to label them, Often we are concerned about others judgment of us, when we are usually the greatest judge of ourselves. After all, others tend to mirror back to us what is within us anyway. Its like looking into a clear still lake when watching others and seeing our reflection.
When bringing up things of the past that you have deemed as “wrong” decisions, remember to:
First be kind to yourself and understand where you were in mentality and growth at the moment.
Make a list of those things you believe you could have done better.
Look at your list with the spirit of observation not judgement.
Rip up the list or shred it and say good-bye to all of the perceived mistakes you have made in life.
Go out into the breezy sunlight and allow the warmth to radiate on your face. Let the breeze remind you that your life has moved on. (Use a fan and close your eyes if there is no breeze)!
Be grateful for the experience and laugh over the humor in some of the ways things used to be. Be thankful you are in this place of understanding today. God is always good!
All things must be dealt with in the open and brought into the Light of God in order to deal with them and heal from them. Seeing them as learning experiences will release you from the bondage of being a mistake. Thank yourself and God for the lesson! Remember your shift in understanding is a creative miracle! Allow the emotional part of all of it be healed in the presence of God’s Spirit!
Loving you from here,
Dr. Jenine Marie Howry
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 