Past, Present, & Future

Past, Future, and Present

The past can be a dreadful thing at times because it reminds us of the turmoil and suffering we have faced. When I think of the past, it is almost like traveling back through our previous experiences. However, those same experiences can help equip us, sharpen our character, and prepare us for what lies ahead.

Yes, there were hard times and critical challenges we faced, but those same moments helped lead us to where we are today because we kept the mentality to keep moving forward.

This ties into what I want to say: instead of dwelling on the pain and difficult experiences you may have gone through, shift your mind toward the good moments that were also part of your past. Those good times are what keep us going, such as spending time with family and enjoying incredible moments in our relationships.

For me, those good times were spending time with my daughter and my mother. I remember Zionna and I going to the movies, playing outside, having fun with our cats, cooking together, going to theme parks in the summer, and simply bonding the way a father and daughter do.

With my mom, I always enjoyed her home-cooked meals and watching her dance in the kitchen while listening to her music and singing. Those are the moments from my past that I reflect on because those beautiful memories of the two closest people in my life continue to sustain me.

How many of you wish you had a time machine and could go back to any era of life? Ahah! That would be amazing!

Alright, let’s not get carried away. Ahah! The moments from our past can help guide us and shape the present we are living in now.

The Present

The present is “The Now,” the very moment we are experiencing. When I look at the present, I see it as a gift from GOD because He gave us life and loves us deeply with His compassion.

The present is something we can use to become better people. Whether you are struggling with certain issues or flaws, those same struggles can help strengthen your character and help you grow.

When you look at an antique clock and listen closely, you can hear the hands ticking. It is almost like the hour hand represents the past, slowly moving and reminding us of the lessons we have learned. The minute hand represents the future, continuously moving forward. Then there is the second hand, the fastest-moving hand, representing the present moment as it passes by every second.

Time has a way of showing us:

• The past: the lessons we learned.

• The present: the experiences we are living through now.

• The future: preparing for what lies ahead.

So right now, in your present moment, use this time for reflection so you can be ready for the future.

The Future

When I look at the future, I see it as somewhat of an illusion because we all know tomorrow is not guaranteed. However, that does not mean it is too late to prepare, because it is never too late to pursue something if we truly put our minds to it.

For example, we hear about future challenges involving the economy, technology, and other developments. So why not prepare ourselves for what may come?

But a scripture also comes to mind when Jesus stated:

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.”

Matthew 6:34 KJV

I also love this scripture:

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”

Matthew 6:26 KJV

Jesus was using the birds as an example to remind us that they are cared for by our Heavenly Father. In the same way, our Heavenly Father will take care of us regardless of what we may face.

In the previous verse, Jesus was teaching us not to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will come with its own concerns.

So focus on the Now. Instead of constantly worrying about the future, remember that time will continue moving forward regardless.

There are also practical scriptures that remind us to prepare for the future and store up wisdom throughout GOD’s Living Word.

Fun Facts About Time

Did you know astronauts age slightly slower than we do on Earth?

Welp! I need to sign up to be an astronaut then! Ahaha!

There is no such thing as a clock with 100% accuracy.

This explains mechanical watches because they require constant adjustment and winding to maintain the greatest possible accuracy.

I have a classic G-Shock, and it has a feature called RCVD. When activated, it automatically synchronizes with radio signals from atomic clocks located around the world.

So the past, future, and present all play an important role in our everyday lives and how we experience time.

Here are some recent passages I wrote from times past:

• Change now in the present because the past is already gone, and the future is not promised.

• Don’t be discouraged by your past. Just know that the present you are living in now is what matters most.

• Each day, our goal should be to cleanse our soul, learn from the past, and change our present so we can prepare for our future.

So keep learning from your past and use those same challenges to grow. Remember, the Present is like a gift from GOD because He gave us life and a chance to come closer to Him.

The moment of “The Now” is the blessing. Preparing ourselves for a greater journey, no matter what challenges we may face, can lead us toward a better future.