Getting Past Your Past (2)

a nation dividedImage by stevehdc via Flickr

Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Isaiah 43:18-19

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln lost several elections before finally becoming one of America's greatest presidents? In fact, he failed so often it was amazing he kept trying. Did you know that the material used to make Kleenex tissues was invented as a gas mask filter during World War I and it failed? Then when inventors tried to make it into cold cream it flopped again. Finally they repackaged it as disposable handkerchiefs, and guess what; people buy 200 billion of them annually. Not bad for a product that bombed twice! You can't seize your future while you're obsessing over your past. So learn from it and let it go. Heed the advice of author Susan Scott: 'My dog and cat have taught me a great lesson in life: learn to shed a lot!'

Nobody starts out being good at everything. Tackling new ventures usually means learning by trial and error. When Charles Darrow got married he promised his wife they'd become millionaires. But the Great Depression came and they ended up hitting rock bottom. Darrow was ready to give up his dream but his wife encouraged him to keep going. Then one day he devised the idea of using 'play money' to buy 'pretend properties,' and he turned his vision into a board game with little houses and hotels. It's called Monopoly, and Parker Brothers bought it from Darrow for, you've guessed it, a million dollars! Remember, when you're on the right track and you refuse to give up, God can do something great through you. So keep going and don't look back.

Used with permission from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

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Comments

This is a terrific post with which to start a Monday! Very encouraging! Thank you, Mike! Cathy
What an encouraging story. There's hope for all of us then!

Robert
Steve said…
Another inspiring word,reminds me of Robert the Bruce and the spider in the cave where he was hiding from King Edward's armies.
Anonymous said…
Hope does not disappoint us, for God sheds His love within our hearts by His Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5)

Thanks Mike.

Sid
Shosannah said…
Hope is like the dawning of a new day isn't it.
No matter what God has a plan for our future. All we have to do is trust in Him :0)
Ann Murray said…
Very encouraging words indeed, Mike. And every day is a new day, a fresh start.
Gudl said…
Yes, very encouraging! I needed to hear that today. Thank you.
(book still not here)
Wanda said…
Oh I love this one Mike. It reminds me of Beatrix Potter who had rejection slip after rejections slip as she tried to publish "Peter Rabbit"... Of course she is known around the world for her children books.

Thanks again for an encouraging word.
imac said…
Wow Mike, certainly learnt a lot from you today.Enjoyed your post.
Anonymous said…
This is also alot about dreaming, keep on dreaming and believe in your dreams!
Anonymous said…
I guess that's proof to the old saying, "If at first you don't succeed try, try again". :-)

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