The Past Flower: From then to now

Honeysuckle

Live in the past

Longing

Nostalgia, regret, sadness

Those who live in the past, perhaps a time of great happiness, or memories of a lost friend, or ambitions which have not come true. They do not expect further happiness such as they have had.

Reflection

Honeysuckle reflects a life turned backward. Memory of a better season, a lost chance, or a former home takes the place of the present. Paul speaks of forgetting what is behind and reaching toward what is ahead. Remembering can be gratitude. It becomes a snare when yesterday is the only place a person is willing to live.

Scripture

Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV). "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."

Meditation

Lord, thank You for what has been. Loose my hold on it. Turn my face toward the calling You have in front of me.