20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.21 His attendants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!”22 He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ 23 But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”David's situation was pretty horrific -- the better to instruct, I suppose -- screwing up big time and losing a child. He knew what he had done, and that it was over and he couldn't change it nor would dwelling on his punishment make any difference. Time to move on. Put on clean clothes, a fresh attitude, and do what needs to be done for today and the future.
The ability to leave the past behind, no matter how traumatic, is certainly not easy. Sometimes we just want to wallow and accept the sympathy of caring friends. And I think that is okay for a while. Let it out, vent a bit. But, the problem comes when you go on too long and get stuck. Your friends will tire of it after a while. You don't want to live in their old hurts either! Today is a new day, full of promise and opportunity. Watch the sunrise. Make a to do list. Don't miss out.
And just in case you need a little musical inspiration, "Let It Go!" (Yes, I did just go there.)
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