Why is it that all flashbacks to childhood are negative?
It may not be true of everyone but majority of people I know remember the embarrassing moments, the failures, the rejections, the worst of times. Those memories, even back to 3rd grade, still haunt me. This is 40+ years later and I still get a knot inside as I remember how I was made fun of, how I said something stupid in class, and how I came in last place in a race.
It takes conscious effort for me to think of the good stuff. And there were many. But the good are not enough to erase the yucky ones, and in some ways, I am still affected by them. I think Satan uses them to take away my joy in Christ. I should not have to be affected by the past. I should be able to laugh at it.
I am a new creature in Christ, but I am still battling the old self everyday. The upside is that our past is a constant reminder of my need for a Savior who takes away my shame and guilt. I can move on, knowing that Jesus doesn’t care about my past.
As much as I’ve tried to give my children a good life, I’m sure they too, were not spared the bad memories of being rejected and embarrassed.
My hope is that they find their rest in knowing the unconditional love of Jesus, and that in Christ, we can laugh at our past and be at peace.