Commentary: Rightly remembering - we are the sum of our experiences Published May 31, 2013 By Chaplain (Capt.) Matthew L. Ellis 349th Air Mobility Wing TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Remember the past--it is the reason for who we are today--the sum of our experiences and how we process them. I want to focus on the benefit of rightly remembering the past. On daily basis, our memory is continually helping us and when we discipline our mind to deliberately remember lessons and victories of the past--we can be greatly helped! Consider the following: You may have heard the phrase, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!' In this simple phrase we see one distinct benefit of our memory--when we think before we speak, and act, it helps us avoid past mistakes. While some define insanity as 'doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,' this could simply describe someone with a very bad memory. Throughout our lives we have witnessed others making mistakes and we have made our own collection of mistakes. While beating ourselves up over these is not a good choice--remembering them, and considering how we fell into them, can greatly benefit us in learning how to avoid doing them today! When you keep making a certain mistake--take some time to stop and think through this. Access your memory, look at what led you to this point, learn new life lessons, and begin to make the changes necessary to avert this future mistake. As we live in the present, we are continually looking toward the future. What do you see? Perhaps it is the great unknown! Is it intimidating, frightening, or discouraging? Rightly remembering the past can help deal with these challenges. For me, due to rightly remembering my past, I have come to love key life transitions into an unknown future. When I consider my past, I see the complete faithfulness of my God, bringing me through every day. To help me see these things, I have kept journals about my hardships, victories, and prayers. Throughout life I have also picked up 'memory souvenirs' (pictures, small trinkets, and such) that I display on my desk to rightly remember how I have been seen through such times. Daily remembering what I am thankful for has further helped me keep a right perspective on other daily hardships and look to the future with confidence. I encourage each of you to consider your past, look at how things have worked out, and let this encourage you through any daily hardships, or major fears of an unknown future. Doing this can give you confidence, just as you have been through such times--here again you will succeed. Is it harder this time, than before? Don't worry. Your past memories have been building you up for this time. Does it seem beyond your ability to handle? Bring in a support network--family, friends, trusted advisers, your chaplains, etc. Rightly remembering the past can give you the strength and perspective needed to weather any storm that lies ahead. As one final note, if you have not rightly or fully dealt with something from your past, and its memory or effect may be debilitating to you today. As your chaplains, always remember that we are here to help you work through such issues, and are honored to provide 100 percent confidential counseling, and to help you grow beyond that which has held you down. Please give us a call or stop by our office on any UTA weekend, we would be happy to work with you! Know that we are praying the best for you all in the summer ahead. Remember your past and go forth in wise confidence!