Memory...

Memory can be a blessing AND a curse. The wonderful part is you get to decide what it will be for you. Because memories are events in the Past that are stored in the mind, memory is how past events are recalled.

Young people find little to no interest in the Past because they're more concerned with the Future. Planning or wishing and even worrying about the Future is how many young people spend their time. Education, Career, Family life is where the focus is for many whom are "just starting out."

Old people on the other hand have far less Future ahead of them and so spend their time looking back on the Past. Some have many regrets of not living their dream - completing their education, marrying the love of their life, going after their dream job, traveling, holding on to grievances, not spending more time with loved ones, etc. 

Memory can be a blessing in that because events recalled are a choice made by you, they can bring  feelings of happiness. When in  the right frame of mind (guided by the Holy Spirit) is when gratitude comes in to play. Being thankful, for even difficult life situations, is what creates room for more blessings. "Everything happens for a reason" signifies there is a meaning/lesson within every situation or it would not be. 

When guided by the Holy Spirit, the reason will always  be made known for that is its purpose. When you choose the Holy Spirit as your teacher, Ego no longer dictates and every lesson is learned the first time around because errors/mistakes are of Ego never the Holy Spirit. The gift of God is then experienced because it is offered by the Holy Spirit alone. It can not be bought because it is not of this world. Nothing on earth can replace it because there is nothing like it!

Memory is a curse if/when thoughts of past events causes discomfort and/or negative feelings. Because the body reacts to what's going on in the mind, your emotion is a good indicator of who's in control. If/when in Peace, the Holy Spirit is in control and who, but Ego (which must always have conflict to maintain its identity) doesn't want Peace?

"Forgive but don't forget" is a term made up by Ego considering its need to hold on to something, anything. Because Ego lives in the Past, it can not allow you to forget for that will be the end of its existence. To believe True forgiveness can come of this is a misconception that keeps you prisoner in your own cell (your mind.) It's like taking poison while waiting for your "offender" to die.

The Holy Spirit uses the Now, the Present Moment, the Holy instant, to correct errors by adjusting your vision so your perspective is based on Truth and not Fear (which comes from Ego.) When you remember who you are, you will no longer feel the need to protect yourself by not forgetting the "sins" of others which Ego has you convinced will keep you from further pain/suffering. Please know the opposite is True. 

It is only by letting go of the Past, which is a choice made only by you that True forgiveness is offered and Peace is experienced. This means no recollection, no remanence and no record of past offenses. "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" signifies to wipe the slate clean and begin again or continue from where you were before the offense.  

Please do not attempt this on your own because Ego will, once again, trick you into believeing you have already let go. All the while, it will wait in the "cut" for the first opportunity to bring up the Past which to Ego will justify its reason for "not forgetting." True forgiveness comes from God which can only be offered through the Holy Spirit. And because the Holy Spirit doesn't live in the Past, grudges are not held in the Present moment where True forgiveness is offered and Peace is exchanged for guilt. 

Use your Power to choose (wisely) and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to and keep you in perfect Peace. How? Let go and live in the moment where real life happens, where blessings are recognized, where Peace is experienced which increases your chances for a better brighter future, which in the end will return to you the most amazing memories! Peace