Hope

The mind is not only filled with black bags tied up with string, but also happy memories, peaceful thoughts, warm feelings and of course hope.
The reading of God’s word has never been so important as at the times when one does some deep self examination. It not only helps one be more thorough but also, at the end, gives one hope.
That black bag of sad thoughts is not the end. It is part of the process. It will always be there to serve as a reminder of the weakness of flesh. But it is not there to overwhelm me.
It is always good to think about our hope. Know that God has forgiven me. Know that the past is unchanged but that God has given me an opportunity to do better now.
Away with the self centered thoughts!
Forward march!