Past Experiences ~ by Brenda J. Wood

The nosiest neighbour ever, lived across the way from me. He trained his binoculars on our kitchen window and then gossiped everything possible with the neighbours.

He made the mistake of telling me what he was up to and I immediately put up a blind. I never opened it. Ever. 

This week I noticed how dark the kitchen was. I thought about that blind. Surely, I could open it now. After all, that neighbour died fifteen years ago! Light poured in. 

Let’s shed a little light on our past, folks. Let’s lift our blinds on what used to be, because used to be is experience captured. We are stronger than we think. Gumption comes with maturity (otherwise called old!)

Read and circle everything that you came through. Total them up:

bad childhood    broken engagement    war    afraid    lonely     grief    financial difficulty  difficult parents    orphan    widow(er)    separation     divorce    childhood diseases

long work hours    unemployed      surgeries     cancer     homeless    government stuff spending too much    saved too much    missed a holiday    seniors home   poor choices    faith   no faith     thoughtless children     old    young    pain     lost career    retired   

Impressive, isn’t it. What words did I miss? Add them. Take stock of where you came from and make a firm decision to move forward, experience in hand, because we are now experts in living!

History says we are survivors! This season of our lives is nothing but more of the same, only longer. Just because things aren’t going the way we want, that doesn’t mean they aren’t going the way they should.

As an expert, we have certain responsibilities. A true expert shares what they know. They are humble in attitude and behavior. They show respect to others. They do not place themselves at the head of the table and rule the rest of us with their secrets.  (Luke 14:10)

Over time we learn not to trust those ‘experts’ who have lots of knowledge but no life experience.  

We keep not silent. It is not our way. So today I ask you where you are an expert. Should you be writing about your expertise about child care, filling empty hours or even basic home cooking?

Should you tell your neighbour how to get rid of that center seam in her quilt? Where to buy the best bologna? How to stay alive and even thrive in a pandemic?

Tell folks in every way possible. Write it. Talk it. Whisper it. Your expertise must be passed on; otherwise, you are no expert. You are a dog in the manger hoarding your little bits so that others must revere you and beg for your truths. 

That is why we write. We share all we’ve learned for the better good. Let your words speak boldly into other people’s futures

See you next time, fellow experts!

Brenda J. Wood has authored more than fifty books. She is a seasoned motivational speaker, who declares the Word of God with wisdom, humour, and common sense.