I was sitting down at the dining table the other day, typing away at my computer. The boys were playing with their cars on the dining floor. They laughed and chatted about all sorts of things as they played. I joined in their conversation, laughing along… but I kept typing away.
My 2 yr old then came close to me and started climbing on my back as I sat and typed. He hung on to my back, wrapping his little hands around my shoulders. He kept giggling and squirming – it was hard for the chair to hold us both in that position. It was obvious he wanted to play with me. I laughed and abandoned my typing… it was no longer possible to type anyway lol. I got up and decided to walk to their play area so we could all play, with my 2yr old riding on my back and my 4yr old running ahead.
As I walked along, I started bobbing up and down, humming and jiggling a little, trying to make the walk to the play area a little more fun. My little guy giggled in joy, screaming YAY!!! The scene reminded me of how I would strap him on my back as a baby, in his little blue Snugli…. So I started singing as we walked/bobbed: “T is my baby, my baby, my baby, T is my baby, I know I know I know!” … just like I would sing when he was a baby.
To which he replied – “I’m not a baby anymore, Mummy – I’m a cowboy riding my horse!! Giddy Up Horsie – Yee-hah!!!” I couldn’t help laughing. I laughed even harder when I turned back and saw the super serious look on his face. He was pretty much saying – please get that baby image out of your mind! Yes, I’m riding on your back, but I’m not a baby anymore – I’ve moved on… We’re playing cowboy now!!!”
What happened reminded me of what my pastor once said during a sermon (paraphrasing) – “God sees us for who we are before we actually become that person.” God sees our potential, sees who and what we are becoming, he sees the entire process going on in our lives. God sees the big picture.
Others may just see what it looks like we are right now, or make assumptions based on our past, where we’re coming from, where they know we’ve been. But every day, we are being transformed. By God’s grace, and with our cooperation, we are being changed daily, as we walk in his way and do his will. We are growing, maturing, developing, and moving forward… We are not just staying the same (Amen). So please, don’t forget – God, our Father knows all and sees all, he does not look at us and just focus on our past, our “babyness” or our mistakes. He sees our hearts, he sees what we are becoming – long before that process is complete, and long before it becomes obvious to others.
And the other side of the coin – Yes, some people may have made mistakes – big and small. Yes, some may have done terrible things in the past – no excuses. Some people may have had sour or really nasty attitudes when we last communicated with them. But don’t forget – just like you and I are (hopefully) changing, growing and maturing every day, others are also being transformed! Let’s give others the benefit of doubt.
We don’t want people to make assumptions about us based on our past – let’s remember to treat others accordingly.
As always, we should be careful and wise when dealing with anyone, but please, let’s not be so quick to assume that people are who they used to be. Let’s open our eyes and ears, and listen to them now. Who are they now? What tune are they singing now? And regardless of what they are or appear to be, please, let’s remember, we don’t necessarily see the big picture – But God surely does!
Here’s the Verse/Thought of the Day:
Isaiah 43:18-19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV)
See More Bible Verses, Quotes & A Poem On Moving Forward & Forgetting the Past.
See Also: What the Bible Says About Growing Spiritually.
So Giddy Up – Keep Going Forward! Remember, God sees the Cowboy or Cowgirl (lol) in you – and in others too 
!
Thanks Olufemi for this very important reminder –
“So much as God sees the cowboy/cowgirl in us, we should also wake up with the daily desire to live up to that expectation.” –Absolutely!! We certainly all have our parts to play. As discussed earlier, God transforms and changes us with our cooperation. And so help us God, we will wake up with the daily desire to live up to God’s expectation of us – no slacking!!! Amen!
& Thank you Nnenna for this apt prayer —
“Lord please help me see Your “big picture” of me and also your big picture of others. Help me see me and the people around through your eyes.” — Amen, Amen, and Amen!!!
Question: Are you confident that you are being transformed daily? Are you currently walking with God? If yes, then yay!:)! If not, then please allow me to introduce you to my Father… Please check out this article: Getting to know God. God will transform you, change you for the *best*:)… and you can walk each day in faith, hope, love, joy and confidence, knowing your future is secure=)!
Have a wonderful week everyone:)!
Much Love & Blessings,
Bomi Jolly
Don’t go yet:)! I think you’ll also enjoy:
- Don’t Want Kisses
- Foolish Words
- Secret Place
true talk!
“Lord please help me see Your “big picture” of me and also your big picture of others. Help me see me and the people around thru your eyes.”
Thanks Bomi: youre ALWAYS a blessing to me!!!
Thanks very much for this lovely piece (as always). Is 43: 18-19 really caught my attention.Was offended by somebody dear to me and had to be praying to God to forgive sincerely and to forget.God bless you once again. My boy too enjoys this back riding game but can be annoying especially when i’m trying to sleep.
@ Kenny – I couldn’t agree more lol!! Thank you very much for taking the time to read and share, it’s much appreciated!:)! Good to know you agree:)! Stay blessed!
@ Nnenna – Amen , Amen and AMEN!! I love love that prayer, it is exactly what we’re talking about! I will edit the note to include that prayer in a minute. Thank you for sharing Nnenna..AMEN.. !!!
@Oluwatoyin – Thanks a lot! We’re all growing daily, learning and re-learning to love, forgive, etc.., we’re applying and re-applying what we’ve learned.. you know? It’s all good. It is well…. God bless you too lots Toyin, and please give your little guy mega hugs for me=)!!!
Lovely! Thank God He doesn’t remember our past!!!! Thank God!
Giddy up!… lol… you poor horsy! hahaha… how’s the fam doing? I really wanted to see you guys but there’s so much I have to figure out before I leave on Tuesday but I’ll be back in July!
On to the topic… I love how His word tells us that He works things out for the good of those who love Him! What a blessed assurance! Life without Him is miserable ooo. Thank God for His Grace! May we extend the same grace to others in our daily walk
Awesome love Jolly Notes God Bless!!
@Toyin – YES!! Thank God for that! Thank God for God:)!! Thank you Toyin=)!!!
@Maxine – LOL… I know, right? I’m a horse now lol.. We’re all doing great thanks Maxie!! No worries girl, I totally understand!! See you soon bgg!!! And yes yes yes!! Thanks for those reminders, he works things out for our own good… our mistakes or shortcomings can’t stop him from making us into who he wants us to be!! Thank God for his grace, indeed…and Amen amen, may we extend the same grace to others! Amen:)! Thanks Maxine:)!
@Sheila – THANK YOU very much:)! God bless you too:)!!!
Great piece! I cant imagine the faithfulness and patience of God…even when we ask or do things that we perceive should lead to our supposedly “big picture” of ourselves.
Whao! I needed that is 43: 18-19
Sister this is a wonderful reminder just exactly who we are in Christ. We all bare tendencies to lose sight from time to time that we are all a wonderful work in progress. The perceptions of life in child-likeness is paramount in heaven, because they always see the good in others before the less desirable enters the stage. Thank you Bomi for another beautiful view of life’s lessons!
@Tosin – Yes o, thank God for his patience and his constant faithfulness – despite our shortcomings! Thank you very much Tosin!!!
@Akinfolarin – Great to hear you found it useful!! Thanks for taking the time to share=)!
@LP – Thank you so much for sharing your insightful comments, as always!! So so true…it’s truly food for thought!! Thank you again !! Have a blessed day!
Nice piece!
I always believe this—that each day we are being transformed to the person God wants us to be–when we walk with Him, listen to Him and obey Him. He’s always (all the days) with us.
This one is somewhat related to my recent post…check it out and tell me what you think.
And also the music video I posted in my other blog=http://www.ilovehateamerica.com/praiseworthy/2010/06/empty-me-of-my-pride-selfishness-vain-ambition.html
.-= bingkee´s last blog ..EMPTY ME OF MY PRIDE- SELFISHNESS -amp VAIN AMBITION =-.
Oh I am so sorry to fill up your comment space, but I have no way to edit….so I just wanna add to my previous comment—the recent post is this—>http://www.ilovehateamerica.com/a_filipino_immigrants_lov/2010/06/first-summer-weekend-random-thoughts.html
And the music video is this—>http://www.ilovehateamerica.com/praiseworthy/2010/06/empty-me-of-my-pride-selfishness-vain-ambition.html
.-= bingkee´s last blog ..SUNDAY RANDOM THOUGHTS- A SICK CHILD- THE HEAT AND LIFES LESSONS =-.
I was so touched by your message, I had a second flash of my past like it was yesterday and I thank God for where I am today. Can’t really explain any formula or plan I adopted for my today, I totally agree it’s not my doing or might but of him my creator.
Bomi please keep up the good work, and thank you for reminding me of how time flies
@Laide – Thank you very much:)! Appreciate it!
@Bingkee – Couldn’t agree more! Like you said -when we walk with God, listen to him and obey him, we will no doubt be transformed daily into the person he wants us to be! Yes, he is always with us – that is something we can always count on! Thanks a lot for those reminders! And thank you for sharing the postand videos – I’m sure others will find them useful as well so please no worries at all! I will be sure to check them out! Thanks again Bingkee!
@Sina – Thanks so much for sharing your experience, and for reminding us that he is there to see us through it. For those of us that might be in rough situations right now, it is a reminder that with God’s help, we can move forward, and truly look behind at our past!! Thank you very much Sina!!
Thanks for being such a blessing. Its true sometimes its difficult to stop dwelling on the past. But God will help us all to move forward. God bless for touching lives.
Thanks… this really was/is a very thought provoking piece.
Apart from dwelling on past, some of us also get all caught up and entangled in the present… kinda like the seeds that got choked up by weeds, totally forgetting that there IS a big picture, there IS more to life than this present situation….
Thank you…. thank you
who the lord has bless no man can curse. i wil say more grease to ur elbow and i pray the good continues to establish ur wisdom. a lot of people are blinded today all because the are mediocres and never give room 4 that big picture to seen in their life rather they live faithlessly and aimlessly, not considering the fact that change is a bonus afte r every setback in life. i wil be waiting to read a book on jolly notes. God bless YOu
@ Christy – I echo your thoughts and prayers – Amen!! Sometimes we find it really difficult, and we don’t even realize how harmful it is to keep looking back, keep dwelling on the past.. But with God, all things are possible right? It is well! Thank you very much Christy:)!! God bless you too!!!
@Orifie – Excellent point – Thank you so very much for sharing!! That’s really true – sometimes we get caught up in the present – not necessarily the past. May we never be bogged down by stuff we’re dealing with – past, present, future.. unable to move forward… May we always remember that there is a big picture. May we always trust in God’s direction and follow his will, trusting that he knows all and sees all. Amen! Thank you so much Orifie!! Much appreciated=)!
@Benson – Thank you so much for sharing, and thank you very much for your encouraging words and prayers!! I really appreciate it. I am very glad to hear you found this useful Ben. Thank you very much once again. Have a blessed day!
It’s sad that a lot of people are unable to gather up the courage and rise above their mistakes, their past and it seems like the specialty of some is to constantly remind them of it.
It takes courage and an understanding that we need to grab a hold of our future through God’s promises to us.
Grab hold of it and never let go. Look at that past/people in their faces and move on up.
My dear, there’s too much land to conquer to let those who say you ain’t good enuf slow you down. Wow, I just love this simple yet powerful and impactful reminder. God bless you, Bomi.
.-= Maid of Heart´s last blog ..Have You Walked Away This Is For You =-.
Isn’t it amazing what God can do in our lives even in spite of us. The concept of God’s love at times is too big for my mind to grasp on many occasions. I’m so thankful for how God is using you. Take care dear and love to your boys
Thank you soooooo much may God grant us the spirit to always see ourselves esp others as he sees us/them and not as we/they are IJN amen.
Thanks Bomi as always a reminder to keep us going like God intends. God bless u n urs
@Maid – So true!! I hope we never ever fall into the category of people whose specialty is to remind others of their past mistakes!! Thank you very much for sharing those important and helpful reminders!! Truly, it takes courage – I know we can do it – by God’s grace! Thanks a lot Maid! God bless you too:)!!!
@Anonymous – “In spite of us”…yep! You took the words right out of my mouth lol. And yes, his love is truly and magnificently amazing… !:)! Thank God for God, and Thank God for his love! Thank you very much Anon!!! Take good care…much love to you and yours:)!!
@ Yetunde – Amen!!! May we never be lacking in patience with others, love and respect for ourselves and others, and certainly love for God, because when we love God, we live to please him, and we please him by loving others and living like he wants us to! Thank you very much Yetunde!! God bless you & yours too:)!!! thank you.
Awesome Word Woman Of God. As always, very timely.
Thanks for sharing sis and keep the fire of love burning.
Love always,
Eskor
Another thought and indeed action provoking piece! Thanks Bomi.
Hopefully, we will be able to discern those to give second chances to; the truth is not everyone improves, some actually get worse over time.
May God help us press on towards excellence, even as we are transformed into His likeness… Amen.
Thank you. This is VERY refreshing for me. I know no matter what I go through, everything is for a reason, and primarily to get me to be that person he created me to be (which He knows and SEES) . I bless God for this post.
.-= HexyDre´s last blog ..Once Upon a Time- There Lived a Goat =-.
@ Eskor – Thanks a lot:)!! & Thank you for being a blessing!!! God bless you!!! Love Always…. Enjoy your day!:)!
@Tola – Thank you so much:)! & Yes, along with love, patience, forgiveness, and all those good things.. should come wisdom and discernment! I believe we should be willing to give people second chances, but pray to God to constantly apply wisdom and discernment in all that we do. Yes, unfortunately, going in the opposite direction is entirely possible too, and may that not be the case for any of us!! If we cooperate with God, walk with him, lean on him, seek his face, seek to do his will and obey him…we will no doubt be daily transformed into his likeness…just like you said! But if we don’t, then unfortunately, the opposite also applies, for sure!! I echo and say Amen to your prayers Tola! Thank you much much!:)!
Have a blessed day:)!!
@Hexy – Absolutely.. He knows and sees who he created us to be…! May we wake up daily with that in mind…like Olufemi reminded us…May we wake up daily deciding to live up to that expectation… pressing on to excellence, like Tola said! Amen! Thank you very much Hexy…very glad to hear this was refreshing!:)! Stay blessed!!!
bomi , i can’t help but thank God for His mercies , this part where you said ‘He sees the big picture’ is just my story .Somtimes ,infact most times i cant see it myself because am so consumed in past failures,present anxieties that i get discouraged. One thing i have learnt to do is to always look up to the Father for everything . Bomi ,u re an inspiration to me, you know every day i wake up ,amalways sure that despite all the temptations ,pains ,i have Someone who has my back and His name is Jesus. Am so determined by God’s grace to put the devil to shame.Thanks for this article
Very insightful write up.
I’m so grateful to God for bringing me from the miry clay and setting my feet upon the rock . Each time i get carried away and begin to pass judgement on pple he reminds me of my story and my thought pattern does a 360 degrees turn if u know what i mean.
Nnenna great prayer point.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!! And again I say Beautiful!! Thanks sis. That is also one of my favourite verses. Indeed, He is doing a new thing in our lives…! Love ya xxx
@Tolulope – You got that right – He’s absolutely got our back…no matter what, we have that confidence – he’s got our back:)!! Thanks a lot for sharing Tolu!! Have a blessed day!!
@Koinonia – Thank God for God, I know what you mean!! I love the way you said your thought pattern does a 360 turn:). lol.!! Thanks a lot Koin!! Stay blessed.
@Toju – Thank you very much:)!! I hope we always remember he is always working in us…and in others too=)! Thanks Toju!! Much love!!!
Always a word in season for me,tanx alot dear,may God continue to use u more n more in this way,n shout out to d cowboys too….lol.
Very inspiring. More grace upon ur life. cheers.
wow! am so Blessed!! 10x tons Bomi 4d new inspiring note. ..Just found a quite time to read! lol..may God bless u deeply 4 sharing!! I know surely dat when God sends a message to us, It is never by accident! Never!! (Isaiah 55:11).
Yebo Bomi! God really does not want us to be backward looking!, going thru life looking in d rear vision mirror! But … honestly, sometimes, we often can’t help ourselves! lol..We sometimes remember the hurts of d past and d mistakes we even made….but 10x Bomi 4 reminding us that NOW, really is d time to look ahead and focus on what is before us cos God wants to do new things in our lives and He wants us to rise up to our full potential in Him.
We have really got to keep on moving forward cos it’s only in moving forward that we can ever accomplish what God hav 4us. and ofcos we can’t stay where we’re at, nor can we go backwards! The only direction we can go is forward!! Yes, it can be hard -but it’s d only way if we want to move on in God and grow! …
Enjoy dis short poem by S. Londes based on Isaiah 43:18-19.
Don’t be afraid to keep moving on,
For what was before, now has gone,
God wants to accomplish so much more,
But we need to move forward in the Lord.
..tanx once again Bomi 4 tagging, sharing and ofcourse, 4 bin a Blessing…may God continually increase ur strenght and anointing. cheers and stay blessed!
P.S: My warm regards to Cowboy T and his siblings!
@Teye – Amen and Amen=)!! Thanks a lot Teye!! Glad you found it useful… lol @ Cowboys, this makes me think I should get a picture of them in cowboy outfits..!! lol. Thanks Teye, Have a great weekend=)!!!
@ Seyi – Very glad you found it inspiring! Thank you very much for the kind thoughts and prayers. God bless you – Enjoy your weekend!
@Akindele – Thank you so much for sharing those wonderful insights! I could not agree more….. and I love how you remind us that the only way we can accomplish what God has for us is by moving on!! May we always remember! Thanks so much Akindele, and thanks for sharing that beautiful poem as well – I have included it in the page on “Moving Forward” at:
http://www.jollynotes.com/inspirational-verses/moving-on-moving-forward-life-looking-forward-future/ . That page is also referenced in this article. Thank you very much once again!! Stay blessed!
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right – keep up the fantastic work!
This was very helpful. Grateful to you for your information.
At first when i started reading, i was wondering where you were going with this.
Very well written and very inspiring. God has blessed you with the gift to see much more in the little things that happen around us everyday.
Keep up the good work. I’ve been really blessed.
Cheers
@ M.A – Thanks a lot for taking the time to stop by! I’m glad to hear you were not disappointed lol. Have a blessed day!:)!
@Tim – Thank you very much. Very glad you found it useful. Stay blessed!
@Jibola – Aww. Thank you so so much. Everyone is always so encouraging! I am truly humbled. Thank you Jibola. I pray JollyNotes will always be a blessing to us all. Have a wonderful weekend..!
I’m glad I came in here, thanks for the thoughts..
and Jesus grew in wisdom…Luke 2:52. we should be like wise.
cheers
.-= Olaniyi´s last blog ..AT THE CENTRE =-.
I love this, thank you for bringing such a very important and inspirational message, for all that have been “born again” he will certainly continue the good work that he once began in us. Let us have patience for those who are still babies, but let us not give up on them but also help them to “stand” by being supportive, inspiring and encouraging them in the knowledge of Christ.
God bless you all,
K*
muah Bomi & to God, muaah muaah… Well said dear. But dear God, pls help me to see the giant you have made me and not see others as ants but as the giant you have made us all.
Even before we were born, He knew us…..
@Olaniyi – Thanks a lot for stopping by, and for taking the time to read and comment too:). Thank you very much for reminding us about that scripture/thought – Luke 2:52 – Indeed, so should we – May we ever grow in wisdom and stature, just like Jesus! Many thanks Olaniyi…Keep growing in Christ!:)!
@K* – Thanks so much for your comments, the first part reminded me of the scripture Philippians 1:6 (Absolutely – He who began the good work in us will be faithful to complete it…). I pray we will all continue to strengthen, encourage and support each other as brothers and sisters – It truly pleases God. Thank you very much once again! God bless you too!
@Kinkimo – Muah to you too, lots from me and I know God is blowing you kisses too
! Thank you very much Kike!!! And many thanks for that reminder – like Jeremiah 1:5 says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” May we always remember. Thank you Kinkimo!
PS: The above referenced scriptures can also be found in this page: Bible Verses About Spiritual Growth. (also referenced in this article). Thank you all so so much for taking the time to read or/& share! Enjoy the rest of your weekend – God bless:)!
thank God for not remembering the baby in me, O lord help me to grow to your desired level for me.
Bomi, more strength to you. love u
this reminds me so much of a song i heard long ago. I can not remember anything of the song but this refrain,
‘when others see a shepherd boy, God will see a King.’
sometimes we get to forget how God sees us and dwell on what we are at the present moment. however, the man of today can hinder us from becoming the King God has planned for us to be, if we dwell too much on our circumstances and neglect to continually look unto God.
Thanks Bomi, a lovely one as ususal.
Thanks for the reminder.
@ Anonymous – Amen..and Amen:)! Thanks a lot… Love you too:)! Stay blessed!
@Son of Philip – Thanks for reminding us of that beautiful song…
“But when others see a shepherd boy
God may see a king
Even though your life seems filled
With ordinary things
In just a moment He can touch you
And everything will change
When others see a shepherd boy
God may see a king”
& Thanks so much for sharing, we do ourselves much good when we continually look unto God! Thank you Son of Philip:)!
@Felicia – Thank you very much:)!!