the past

i was watching a movie tonight that reminded me of another time in my life. honestly, it was quite amusing and not painful at all. so many times we are taught to forget the past and to move on, but tonight i had an idea: past mistakes help me to marvel in present grace. i don't know how original this is but i am going to run with it. the fact that what i did five years ago has no bearing on the fact that i am still loved and lead by Jesus Christ. i am not proud of this sin in my life them and even though i may still feel some of the residual effects and consequences of past sin, i get the privelige of his present and even his future grace. i am in awe. i am blown away that Jesus loves me so much that he forgives my rebellion and idiocy. paul tells us in romans five:eight that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us and this is what i am feeling tonight, a grace that is beyond compare, a grace that allows me with all of my flaws to boldly proclaim the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. so i will look to the past when it comes to mind and rejoice in His grace!