"Remember the good and the good will grow."

A thought by Erwin Raphael McManus (2006-08-29) from his book, Uprising (Kindle Locations 1820-1821). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

One thing about starting a New Year is the choices you have of what to hold on to. We can bring in to the New Year whatever we want from the past year. Each year holds a lot of memories. As Erwin says that as we remember the good it will grow but the same is true of the bad.

The problem is it seems to be easier to hold on to the bad, the mistakes, the hurts and they come with us into the New Year and they affects us. But what if we take this month of January and take care of some of those relational problems that we need to ask forgiveness for, take care of what we need to take care of and then reinforce the good.

Erwin said, “Memories have a way of defining not only who you were, but who you are and who you will become. One experience can become pervasive. It can shape your entire view of reality. It can become the filter through which you experience everything in life.”

Now it is also beneficial to realize that we are today creating new memories. Make today memorable. Do something that will make a difference in someone’s life, in your own life. Make today count.

Erwin also says that, “It’s important to remember all the good that has happened in your life and there is great healing power in creating new, positive memories. Yet the real miracle comes when you can look back at even the most painful experiences in your life and find the good that God has brought out of it. Until you can see the work of God in the worst of circumstances you have not yet begun to see your life from the eyes of God.”

So how are your memories affecting you?

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