We may have a tendency to reminisce about the good old days and the implication is that today is not as good. If we look at our former days objectively, we find that the good old days were probably a combination of a bad memory and a good imagination. We have selective memories and the old days were good because we focus on the positive aspects and conveniently forget the bad. Solomon warned us that yearning for yesterday’s happiness is not from wisdom,

Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this. (Ecclesiastes 7:10)

The problem with pining for the good old days, is that we forfeit the joy of today. We need to learn how to appreciate the present. If we spend our time regretting the past or thinking about the future, we discover that the present slips away from us. Jesus warned us about allowing anxiety to cause us to lose our peace,

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

We don’t always see things as they are, but as we are. Wisdom understands that each day is a gift from God. The adage is true, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, each day is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.” This doesn’t mean that we can’t learn from the past or prepare for the future. It means that we must live in the present and keep the past and the future in their proper perspective. If you don’t let your past die, it won’t allow you to live in the present. We must not sacrifice today for the memories of the past. Isaiah helps us to see that the work of God is not confined to the past,

Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19)

Someday in the future, you may look back at today and think, “Those were the good old days.” You’re living in the good old days right now! You don’t have to wait for a future date to realize the good old days – these are the good old days.

Could it be that our problem is not that the old days were so much better, but the fact that we take today for granted? How would it change your perspective if you lived each day as if today were your last day? We do not know how much time we have so we must fully appreciate each day. Today is one of your most precious resources, don’t waste it – seize the day!

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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