Just over thirty years ago, Mongolia became a democracy. Seventy years of Russian communism, outwardly, slipped peacefully away as radical new laws changed the foundations of the country’s constitution, paving the way forward for democracy.

              Despite the nonviolent transition the journey has not been a smooth one. The initial departure of technical support to Mongolia’s industry and breaks with their foreign trading partners left the country reeling. Harsh economic problems followed. Inflation soared, unemployment skyrocketed and it was hard to get food.

              Slowly the country’s economy strengthened but the elected government found their struggles against the communist way of thinking were far from over. Factional differences were rife and rumours of corrupt government ministers constantly hit the headlines.

              Remembering easier days, many longed to return to the way things were. Some still do. The ordered city with clean air and less traffic. Shops brimming with food from across the former Soviet Union. Public concerts and dance circles. Free university education with generous stipends. Bosses who were older, wiser and more respectful of the people they governed than these younger leaders. Tearfully, they mourned their loss.

Mongolians are not the only ones prone to bouts of wistfulness. We too have moments when we imagine life was better than it is today. While that may be true, it is rarely possible to re-experience or recreate past events and the feelings attached to those events.

Christians are no exception. When our lives become chaotic and messy, we long for the return of peaceful days. When beauty seems to disappear and ugliness becomes the order of the day, we are apt to pine for the contentment of past blessings.

              What is it that makes us remember some events and parts of our lives with such fondness? What is it that causes us to overlook the negatives, the irritations and petty annoyances that must have been there and simply focus on the positive? Could it be that we know how those events turned out? Today’s world is filled with uncertainties. We do not know what is going to happen tomorrow, let alone next week. In the face of the unknown, the pull of the past can be powerful.

But we should not seek to relive our experiences or to let them overtake the present. Memories of happier times should not divert us from the purposes God has for our lives today. Rather they should serve as a reminder, telling us of God’s goodness and His continued faithfulness.

The Mongolians wisely recognise that they cannot return to what was, but in remembering they can draw those memories into today and allow them to shape their fresh future. Likewise, as we draw on our past, bring it to God, review it in the light of His word, and allow Him to renew us, then He will propel us forward into the newness of today.

© copyright Gillian Newham 2020