As many know the problems in life are an integrity test of our faith. Without these events patience is never learned as a virtue. Our teachable moments are met in the midst of patience. The trick is your ability to hear in those moments (that means to listen with attention). We often discount the “Strength” in us to navigate the stormy seas of pain and suffering that create the teachable moments.
If you do not learn from your painful times you end up in the “forgive and forget cycle”. My opinion is you truly cannot forgive and just forget about it. My belief is that you have to “learn and let go”. In our quest to move forward we often hold on to the past and stay anchored to the “stuff” we have experienced. However, if we learn from those painful times we are prepared to let go and keep it moving not repeating the mistakes of youth.
So, this takes us back to the question I posed in the beginning. The answer is yes; to life being long enough to fulfill the wholeness of being healed from hurt. The reality is not time but, maturity. If you are mature you will grasp the moments of heartache and learn to let it go!
Isaiah 43:18 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. (NIV)
