A Life Lived Intentionally

“Today I know that memories are the key not to the past but to the future. I know that the experience of our lives, when we let God use them become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do.” – Holocaust survivor Corrie Ten Boom

The Meaning of Auld Lang Syne and The Question It Poses

For me like many, the “new year” begins on New Year’s Eve. I enjoy a time for reflection, goal-setting, and dreaming. As the clock counts down to midnight, anticipation fills the air, and the familiar tune of Auld Lang Syne often plays in the background. This Scottish song, loosely translated as ‘for old times’ sake,’ poses the poignant question: “Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?” Have you ever contemplated this question? How does it make you feel?

For me, this familiar melody always brings to mind two contrasting holiday stories. These two stories, though vastly different, offer valuable insights into the age-old question posed by Auld Lang Syne. “Should old times be forgotten?”

Our Memories In God’s Hands

The first story is the movie classic, It’s A Wonderful Life. I picture the smiling faces of George and Mary Bailey as they sang the familiar tune, surrounded by family and friends. In my heart I smile too, knowing the life giving answers George has found.

In this tale, good-hearted small-town business man George Bailey consistently prioritizes the needs of his community over his own ambitions. Young George dreams of world travel and going to college. However, he sacrifices his own dreams to support his family business, invest in his younger brother’s success, and help his neighbors. Despite his selfless dedication and the solid life he builds, George secretly harbors an unfulfilled longing for adventure beyond his small town. However, when the weight of his responsibilities and disappointments becomes unbearable one Christmas Eve, he goes from wishing for more to tragically wishing he had never been born at all.

Moments like this desperately need divine intervention and George gets it. With a little help from above George is given the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane, and see what the view would have been like had he not lived at all. His perspective is drastically changed as he learns the impact his presence has made. His life has made a difference for many and he is deeply loved. In the end he comes to understand what is perhaps best stated in the words of author Joseph Campbell, “We must be willing to get rid of the life that we planned, so as to have the life that is planned for us.” Though it had not been the life George had dreamed of, it was indeed a WONDERFUL life! With this new understanding he rushes home to those he loves and finds that they are seeking him too. Having found out about his misfortunes, friends, neighbors, old acquaintances, and new rush to his aid and his trial ends in triumph as those whose lives he has touched show their love and gratitude. Should old acquaintance be forgot? George knows that there is a place for memories. When we allow God to show us the past from His perspective we are reminded of our blessings and given hope that nothing we experience is wasted in the hands of the author of our lives, The Great Redeemer.

The Bible emphasizes the significance of remembering past events and God’s faithfulness. Throughout Scripture we see God instructing His people to create lasting memorials, such as monuments and commemorative feasts. These serve as powerful reminders of God’s actions in history and His unwavering commitment to His people. The importance of remembrance is highlighted in Psalm 103:1-2, where King David declares “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

I know It’s A Wonderful Life has been labeled a Christmas film, because the dramatic conclusion of the picture takes place on Christmas Eve, but the message of the story is one to be remembered all year through. There is a reason that it’s a classic, it warms our hearts and gives us hope. What could be more appropriate as we end the old year and start the new, than to be reminded that life truly is wonderful! If it’s been a while since you’ve seen this flic, see it again. This time sing with them at the end, and smile because you know the answer too.

Letting Go of Regret

The second story “Auld Lang Sine” brings to mind stands in stark contrast to the heartwarming scene in It’s a Wonderful Life. No happy ending here. Dan Fogelberg’s song “Same Old Lang Syne” paints a poignant picture of two former high school sweethearts who reunite unexpectedly on Christmas Eve. Years have passed, and both have pursued their dreams only to find that worldly success has not brought them the fulfillment they sought. As they reminisce it seems they hope to find something of what is missing in each other but their shared memories, instead of bringing joy, evoke a sense of longing and regret. The line “[we] tried to reach beyond the emptiness, but neither one knew how” captures the melancholic tone of the song.

Unlike George Bailey, these two characters lack the perspective to see the blessings in their past and move forward with hope. Without God’s perspective and direction lives, no matter how “successful”, never bring lasting fulfilment. This story serves as a powerful reminder that while cherishing memories is important, dwelling on past regrets can hinder our progress. We need only look at Lot’s wife to be reminded that there can be great danger in looking back when we should be moving forward (Genesis 19:15-26). In Philippians 4:13-14 we read these words, ‘Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Here Paul reminds us to keep our eye on the prize – Jesus. Hearts set on Jesus and guided by His hand are lives of purpose and ultimately triumph.

Consider taking a few minutes to play Dan Fogelberg’s “Same Old Lang” Sine on your favorite music app. Listen carefully to the words. Then as the solemn music at the end plays, tell yourself “to leave the old with a burst of song, to recall the right and forgive the wrong; to forget the things that bind you fast to the vain regrets of the year that’s past.” It’s very good advice Robert Brewster Beattie gave us in his poem, “A Way To A Happy New Year.” Let’s take it.

Conclusion

Reflecting on these two contrasting “Christmas” stories, we can see the importance of carefully navigating our memories. As Christmas rolls into New Years we are naturally drawn to reminisce. Memories of past holidays, both joyous and sorrowful, will inevitably arise. Like George Bailey, we should cherish our blessings and express gratitude and appreciation for our loved ones, especially God himself from whom all our blessings flow. We should also learn from Dan Fogelberg’s cautionary tale and let go of regrets that hold us back. We must not cling too tightly to old ideas and old plans, but be open to new possibilities and willing to adjust our course as God directs. By embracing the lessons of the past while living fully in the present, we can enter the future filled with hope and joy.

Not all of my new years have been “Happy”. When I look back over my life I vividly recall a time when I did not know how to “look beyond the emptiness.” Life had been hard. I had been hurt. I was discouraged and though it took a long time for me to admit it, I was angry with God. It wasn’t until I stopped and let Him give me a view of my circumstances from His perspective that I found hope again. He helped me stop living in the past and encouraged my heart that He would use even the most hurtful experiences in my life for my good and His glory! What happens in our lives may indeed have been meant for evil by the enemy of our souls or even the people in our sphere of influence but God can use it for good. It’s his specialty, redeeming the things that seem unsalvageable. I recently heard Bianca Olthoff teach “In the ancient Hebrew lexicon there is no word for tragedy . Why? Because the ancient Hebrews believe that if it was not redeemed, then God was not done.” Let’s go into this new year believing it, too and keeping our eyes on the Savior who has already won the victory!

“But I’ve left the past in God’s keeping – the future his mercy shall clear; and what looks dark in the distance may brighten as I draw near.” Mary Gardiner Brainard

Suggested Activities:

Looking for more inspiration? Here are some ideas:

1. Seek your own viewing of your history through God’s eyes. Have you ever explored the spiritual practice of “Examen”? Learn more here – Ignatian Examen.
2. Chose a scripture or quote from today’s reading to meditate on or memorize as you enter the new year.
3. Make your own monument to remind you of God’s faithfulness in your past.
4. Start planning a feast to celebrate a way God has shown his faithfulness.
5. Post a note on your mirror reminding you “if it isn’t redeemed, then God’s not done.”
6. Read 2 Kings 6:17-20 to remind you that what God knows and does is more than what we see and we can trust Him to lead.