240919 Past

 Past

Past is past; you can't return 

Yet, looking back can help you learn

Learning must happen to be free

Of any painful memories 

What's your relationship with the past

Is it filled with fond memories 

Or does it only hold regrets

The kind that bring you to your knees

My guess is that it's a mixed bag

Of joyful times and sorrows too

For past's the culmination of

Every thing that you've lived through 

For each one's past is filled with things 

We'd like to share, or never tell

There're reasons you should visit there

But, it is not a place to dwell

There's joy in reminiscing 'bout

Each fun and happy memory 

If looking back holds only loss

Perhaps it's not the place to be

Of course, we should learn from the past

The happy and likewise the sad

For memories make who we are

The good, the ugly, and the bad

The past is past; you can't go back

But it can be a teacher, wise

Through past mistakes, can surely learn

Instrument of growth, not to despise

So, look at past; learn from it too

But put it in proper context 

Repent of past if there's a need

Then look ahead to what comes next

Today  you'll make new memories 

And certainly a mistake or two

Then they'll become part of your past

A yesterday when today is through 

Rely on God to heal your past

For that is something he can do

Then, praise him for good memories 

And even hard ones you've been through 

Each past event has played a part

Of the dear person you've become

With each, the Potter's molding you

To more resemble his dear Son

Dear Father, thank you for my past

Each sad and joyous memory 

You use each for your perfect plans

And so to you goes all glory

Forgive me for my past mistakes

Repent of them and ask for grace 

Rejoice when this life is my past

And I behold you face to face