Don't Let A Bad Experience Ruin A Future Good One

Happy Monday Folks,

Last week, I talked about learning something from every experience.  I think that still applies, but at the same time we have to learn to not let bad experiences ruin future ones for us.  I suppose you wonder what I mean by this, so let me explain.

Have you ever had a bad experience (that you thought was over and done), then while on a new experience some things seem a little similar to the bad experience?  I have and immediately I get that "Oh no, here we go again" feeling.  This is not a bad reaction to have because we always want to avoid repeating past mistakes or paths that could lead to destruction.  At the same, time we have to realize that not all things that seem bad are really what they appear. 

For example, when I was a kid, my Momma made a blueberry pie and I LOVED blueberry pie.  The problem was that I ate TOO MUCH blueberry pie and I got sick (I couldn't help it.  My Momma made a mean blueberry pie!).  For a few years, I did not eat blueberry pie because in my mind the blueberry pie made me sick.  What I failed to realize was that TOO MUCH of that particular blueberry pie made me sick and not all of the subsequent blueberry pies that were made.  I was hesitant at first, but after a while I came around and started eating it again.  I just had to be willing to give my new experience a chance.

In some ways, some events that happened in our past taints our new perspective and causes some resentment towards people, places and/or things that have never done anything to us.  You know, in a way, it is like having a grudge.  Leviticus 19:18 says, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD".   In my case, blueberry pie wasn't a person, but it was something I held a grudge against.  I think you understand what I mean though.

I know it is tough.  We have that "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice....well, you just can't fool me no more" attitude, but don't completely shut something down before giving it a chance.  I am not saying repeat the same mistakes, but use good judgment and the spirit of discernment as your guide.  You never know, the thing from which you wish to turn away, may be the one way that God has chooses to bless you you.

Be blessed folks and have a good one.

Regards,

Antoine E. Hall

Blog:      http://toinebo.blogspot.com
Twitter:     http://www.twitter.com/AntoineHall

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." - 2 Samuel 22:33