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Just came back from a college visit yesterday. It was a long drive, as we have to drive across three states. However, it is also an excited one because we visited a school with blended disciplines between Engineering and Arts, which my son favors. I myself was thrilled because I had the opportunity to visit my old college, in the middle of our trip, which I had not been able to for the past few years.

With so many NEW buildings added at my old college campus, my wife and I, however, were eager to look for our OLD graduate family housing. In our minds, it is a place where we had distinct memories during our hard and poor days. We were hoping that we can point to our kids and told them the apartment where we used to live in. As we arrived at the location, to our surprise, we couldn’t find it. All the graduate housing buildings had been eradicated and now they become parking lots. We were quite disappointed. It is as if someone rips part of your memory out of your head.

Most of us like new things. The presumption is the new things would have improvements, new features and new functions – at minimum, when it is brand new, we would anticipate it to have a new beginning of its life.  Someone used to say, “東西總是新的好，人還是舊的好” It means  to use the new technology and new gadgets is always favorable, but when it comes to human relationships, we do cherish our old friends and acquaintances. As you can see, there exists an inherent contradiction of the preference between OLD and NEW in our minds.

Is OLD memory always favorable? Not necessarily! For example, “bitter” memories would continue to create ordeals and bitterness in one’s life. It is therefore wise to let them go. Then, you may ask, “How can I forget them?” My experience is you CAN’T, but you could “purify” them by going through steps to release bitterness from the memories.

The first step of purification is “Don’t try to compare what you don’t have now with what you used to have, constantly 放下經常與過去比較的心態”.  This is what apostle Paul mentioned, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead忘記背後努力面前” (Philippians 3:13b). The second step is to “Lay down your pride 放下你自己的身段”.  This probably is the most difficult part in our life, as there are so many “I-centered” or “My-centered” things exist and are emphasized daily. The pride assumes us at a position above others and therefore, is used to judge others in our own favor. The last step is to “Life up your spirit and let God renew your mind daily提起你的精神，每天讓神更新你的心”.

The experience of Israelites at Marah in the wilderness illustrates the power of God in purifying “bitter” water into “sweet” one (Exodus 15:23-25). It also tells us that only God can do the purification of memories if we ask Him. In fact, He is the one who can give us a complete “NEW” self through His son Jesus Christ. This power of transformation is totally amazing. Therefore, my friends, do you want to experience His power? Then, come before Him and ask Him as He is the one who gives generously to all without finding fault.