All Things Work Together

Some time ago, I was reading about Mr. Rogers. One of his favorite quotes was from the poet Kenneth Koch, “You aren’t only the age you are – but you are all the ages you’ve ever been.” I like that thought.  

Sometimes we despair of our past and can’t let go of mistakes we’ve made. Sometimes it feels as though we have wasted months or years. Or, we find ourselves in a situation that seems meaningless. But God wastes nothing. God can take our total life experience and use it to form us into the kind of person who will be a blessing to others.

Yes, there are mistakes we may not want to celebrate, but there is always something we can learn from them. We may need to start over differently. We may need to make amends. 

Some of the most beautiful people I know are those who have recovered from past failures and mistakes and now minister to those who are going through similar trials. 

In the book of Romans, Paul writes, “All things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to his purposes.”

Let us pray: Loving and Gracious God, sometimes we allow our past to haunt us – or even own us. We know that you want better for us – that you created us to be free – free from guilt, free from regret, free from bitterness and grudges. Help us to let go, to learn what we need to learn, but then move on. 

We trust that you have been with us every step of the journey – even during those moments when you seemed far away. And we trust that even out of heartache and distress you can bring something good. You are the God of new beginnings. So we ask you today to continue to mold us and shape us as instruments of your mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.