Restoration – or second acts – is something my community really identifies with. In fact, our history is a source of pride, civic unity and – to be totally honest – we owe a significant portion of our tourism lift to that history.
I’ve written, published and receive royalties from two books that are of the historical
category. To say historical context resonates with me is an understatement.
So, it may seem a bit shocking when I suggest we should not cling to our past. Yeah, I said it…
We Should Not Cling to our Past
One of the most prolific examples of clinging to one’s past is when it comes to landmarks. In my community, we’ve witnessed the destruction of two schools that were of historical significance. One was even made possible through the generosity of one of the community’s foremost and earliest historians.
Both contexts were accompanied by debate, emotion, temper, conspiracy theory, PR maneuverings, and ultimately ended in sadness for those who sought to save the structures from being torn down.
In another example, how often do church congregations engage in the discussion of whether to continue patching an old church building or building new? I’ll answer that for you; it’s quite common.
Again, that discussion is accompanied by debate, emotion, temper, gossip, internal maneuverings, and one side will ultimately be disappointed or discouraged at the outcome.
Where Anger Plays Out Because of the Past
We see this play out in more than buildings and landmarks. It plays out in politics when legislation is controversial or serves counter to the interests of one party. And we see it play out when an umpire or referee flubs a call that hinders the chances of our teams.
Worst of all, it plays out in our own lives as we harbor anger, resentment, disdain and a myriad of other emotions towards others whom we feel have wronged us in some way.
I can’t tell you why some things happen that are or simply feel wrong. But I can tell you with complete certainty that; one, God is in control, and two, no matter the outcome and no matter which side we are one, the outcome can be a blessing.
Quit Looking Back and Start Moving Forward
“Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.~ Isaiah 43:18-19
Remnants of our past will always remain with us. In the case of the schools that met with the wrecking ball, we lost very prolific period pieces that proudly displayed an important part of our community’s heritage. One side waged their very best efforts to see a different outcome, but they ultimately lacked the influence to sway those who made the decisions. Pieces of those buildings have and continue to become parts of other people’s homes, businesses and landscape. In fact, I’ve used several to accent my a fountain in my yard and it gives me a wonderful opportunity to share the story of the building where I attended elementary school and – much later – church.
In the case of the small-town church that chose to vacate their aging building in favor or a modern facility, the building has perhaps remained and therefore is a visible reminder to the members of that congregation for years to come. The memories are a part of us. They represent where we’ve been and where we come from – but they are not our definition.
Legislative changes are often sweeping, the ripple effects of which can alter the lives of a nation for years and decades to come. A botched call on the part of an umpire may result in the favored team missing or being eliminated from the playoffs.
Yet, worst of all is the impact of what stirs inside the hearts and minds of those who refuse to forget their perceived wrongs. So long as you cling to that angst, you are shackling yourself to despair.
How Second Acts Glorify God
Sometimes life just doesn’t go our way. That’s okay. Rarely do we have any say in our destinies and even when we give a hundred percent to an effort, we may find ourselves seeing an outcome that was different from our preference.
It’s where we go from there that makes the difference.
Buildings coming down, but they do not represent the end. Laws will change, but they are never final. Umpires and refs are just as broken as you and I, so they make mistakes. But a missed call is unlikely to alter the destiny of a sports franchise. Even someone who swindles you and unethically takes the spoils for which you feel you are the most deserving, it is not the end. It is merely the beginning of your chance at a second act.
Speaking of Second Acts, Consider the Dragonfly
If the dragonfly were to cling so tightly to the past that it did not achieve its second act, it would deprive the world of its marvelous splendor. Don’t allow clinging to your past to deprive the world of the wonderful second act God has in store for your life! Photo by Chad Gramling
They hatch from eggs in unknown and murky waters with little self-awareness and even less perspective on life. All they know is hunger. So they eat and grow. With each phase of their lives, their skins molt, spurring renewal. Finally, a curious compulsion prompts them to latch onto a stem or grass shoot before climbing out of the water. Suddenly, they begin to breathe the air and go through an amazing transformation. They are vibrant and perfectly developed altogether new creature.
Throughout the remainder its life, this majestic looking creature inspires awe and intrigue around ponds, lakes and other waterways that have plenty of available sunlight. The heat provides the energy they need to sustain their power of flight. The water provides their primary source of food and a location for them to lay their eggs.
At one time, the only existence it knew was that of within the water. But it is not the insect’s ultimate destination and one it is progressively being equipped to leave.
Like the grub that becomes a dragonfly, we are to live with full faith in our destination. We go through our lives being progressively restored, pursuing constant conversion from sin. In essence, we’ve climbed onto that stem or grass shoot and are now working our way up from our own personal ponds.
So, when a decision doesn’t go your way or you suddenly find yourself at a point in time where you truly see your past becoming memories, remember that God is making all things new. He does this with everything – including me and you!
Embrace what he is doing. Partner with him and be amazed by what your second act includes!
By the way, if you are curious to know more about the dragonfly’s life and transformation, grab my free ebook, Greater Desires where I share it in more detail.