As the year gradually comes to the end, it is usually that time when most people begin to take stock, reviewing what they had achieved or failed to achieve. There are those who even come up with what they would call “New Year resolutions” usually a list of the things they will not do or repeat and as well as set some goals of laudable targets to achieve in the New Year. It is always a good thing to reflect and engage in a careful review of some of the major things that have happened and I dare say, this Loveletter titled “Put the past behind you” seem therefore to stand in tandem considering to posture of reviewing and putting behind. Give Thanks to God for the favorable ones and discard from your memory the unpleasant ones.
There is no doubt so much has happened, as many recorded victories and heavenly blessings, there were those who came face to face with colossal loses and damages both materially and mentally. Some of which stretched the mental health of a few, finding answers to some of these horrible experiences became elusive. I had my fair share of painful moments, especially with the unexpected betrayals and disappointments from quarters lest expected. I am familiar with the unpleasant news of the passing of a loved one and the joyful arrival of a bouncing baby in the same family. While there were moments of celebrations and felicitations, there were also incidents and occasions when what we offered as a good suggestion or correction were seen in a very wrong way leading to negative statements and remarks being made about us. Some of which has caused some to even stop talking to us or resent everything concerning us. In such instances what even made it hurt deeply was that it was coming from those whom we held in high esteem and even considered very close to us.
Agreeably we learn everyday to deal with disappointments, betrayals and embarrassing situations and I can sincerely state that I have taken a good dose of lessons from my experiences. One of such lessons was best captured in the Name of one of my kinsmen ‘Onyemetereuwa’ literally meaning “Who can please the world”. Even when I can easily say that I never set out to please the world, I will not deny that I have not looked out for some degree of either appreciation or recognition of my efforts, however what I have often done in the face of it all is to let my little light shine ever so brightly to the best of my ability. Am aware no matter the luminance of my light, there are still those who would rather choose to see something wrong with it, to some it is either it is too bright with the remark that I want to be noticed, while to another I am being selective with where I let my light shine.
I found a scripture that has been of great help for me and would therefore recommend it to anyone who cares to read this Loveletter.
Phillipians chapter 3 from verse 8 to 14:
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Exactly as Apostle Paul succinctly puts it “ONE THING I DO,FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND”. I have been under the training of the Holy Spirit to put to work what this Apostle wrote to those in Phillipi, and I am writing similar thing today to those following us that are littered all over the world and encouraging them to do same thing: “PUT THE PAST BEHING YOU”. Let me add this here; For those who felt offended by a comment I made, I say a big “I AM SORRY”, it was never in my intention to offend you. For those who I couldn’t meet up with their expectation or demands, kindly bear with me, it could just be that I was probably dealing with similar demands and pressure as at when your request came in that it became overwhelming to attend to everyone. I hope you too would find a reason to put those behind you. Everyone has got some things that they were dealing with at every point in time and some even have the burden of many others on their shoulder these past years therefore I humbly request that as we step into this New Year 2024 let us walk into it cheerfully, looking up to JESUS , The Author and Finisher of our Faith Lord.
Let me use this opportunity to Thank all of our Highly Esteemed Loveletters Contributors for yielding to the leading and inspiration of The Holy Spirit with all of your submissions, may The Good Lord reward you beyond your imaginations in Jesus Name. Amen. From all of us, I say Compliments of the Season, Happy and Prosperous New Year. Remember to put the past behind you. God Bless You.
