Reflecting on the past and comparing it to the present can be like hoping to see a black bear while hiking on a trail marked "Black Bear Trail." Yes, there might be a remote chance that we will see a black bear, but the odds are usually slim. We can spend so much time looking for the black bear that we miss the beauty of the hike. Similarly, we have special sweet memories of the past to enjoy, but too often we try to replicate these things. These longings of past events can keep us holding onto a mournful spirit. We might not realize that we are mourning a past event, but as we get stuck in the past it prevents us from enjoying the present.
During this month of November we are called to count our blessings and be thankful for what we currently have or maybe do not have. My kudos to you today is to let go of your mournful memories that keep you from fully enjoying the present and instead replace it with something you are currently thankful for. Ask God to give you the ability to rejoice in Him and not in the circumstances. Make a current "gratitude list" and share it with one person. Your focus may return you to enjoying the journey of your daily hike, whatever it brings and not focusing on the black bear that was never found.
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1(ESV)
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