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Forget


This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19) 
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. (Deuteronomy 5:15)
          Forget the former things…remember that you were slaves in Egypt…. Wait, we can’t do both…at the same time, to the same memories. I have a good memory, particularly for two things: trivia (the unimportant) and failure, especially my own. Oh wait, my own failures and the failures of others – shouldn’t that be considered trivia, too? That’s food for thought that I don’t have time to chew at the moment. My memories about most of my life, my travels with my parents, and the lessons God has taught me are not as easy to remember. 
          God knows our memories aren’t perfect. In fact, He knows how far from perfect they are. That’s one of the reasons He tells us to remember so often. He not only tells us to remember but to erect monuments, repeat stories, write things down. Every year, I plan to keep a journal. I love journals because they give me a chance to process events. I hate journals because they tend to become an unending lament about what a failure I am because of all the things – the wrong things - I remember. That’s why I need to journal. 
          This year, I want to keep two journals. The daily one will list what I’ve read and accomplished. I’m calling it my Ta Da Journal because I tend to not remember having accomplished things. The second will be more typical prayer/thought journal, but I’m going to outlaw the daily, “I’m such a worm” entry. The goal will be to forget the former things that I don't need to remember but remember those I don't want to forget.

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