I seem to be forgetting things a lot more frequently than I used to.

My wife is quick to point out that old age is catching up with me.

But I’m convinced the answer is some kind of outside interference, like too many satellites sending out radio and TV waves, cell phone signals, etc. (Even though there is not a trace of scientific evidence to prove my theory—that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.)

I refuse to admit that I am getting any older!

However, I can identify with a poem I read recently by an unknown author:

“Just today I thought I’d write you just to say that I’m not dead,

Though I’m getting more forgetful and something’s slipping in my head.

I got used to my arthritis, to my dentures I’m resigned,

I can manage my bifocals — but oh, how I miss my mind!

For sometimes I cannot remember when I stand atop the stairs,

Whether I must go down for something or if I’ve just come up from there.

And before the fridge so many times my mind is filled with nagging doubt,

Have I come to put some food away or did I just take some out?

I called a friend not long ago and when they answered I just moaned,

I hung up quickly without speaking ‘cause I’d forgotten who I’d phoned.

I stand confused with my medication bottle; face white much like a ghost–

Did I just take the pill I need or am I about to overdose?

So now if it’s my turn to write you there’s no need in getting sore,

It may be that I think I’ve written and I don’t need to write no more.

Now I stand beside the mailbox with a face so red,

Instead of mailing you the letter– I opened it instead!”

Does this poem describe you? If you’re too young to understand—don’t worry, you soon will!

You know who else had a problem with forgetting things?

Apostle Paul.

He wrote in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers, I count not myself to have apprehended, but this one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

In other words, Paul was not going to be held back by his past deeds and failures.

He had made up his mind to forget those things, press forward each day, striving toward the goal God had set for him.

I like that kind of memory loss!

So, whether your mind is sharp as a tack or if you struggle to remember what you had for breakfast this morning — today is a new day.

Determine to forget the sins of your past, confess them to God, embrace this new day and trust God to give you a future full of hope!

Rev. Doug Johnson is the senior pastor at Raven Assembly of God in Raven, Virginia