From Nostalgia to Gratitude

all of this writing is purely the author’s personal views or opinions and not a principle or the views of certain groups of people.

During an evening, my friends and I enjoyed a music event that celebrated various generations, organized by the one of the best composer and songwriter from Indonesia, Erwin Gutawa.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI4MFORvksI

The performance etched a lasting memory as singer Candra Darusman began to perform a captivating piece titled “Kau”. The overwhelming surge of joy filled me, evoking emotions that were so profound, I felt compelled to shout internally while expressing my elation through song. It was an extraordinary sensation that will forever resonate within me. I don’t understand why I experience such a strong sense of “nostalgia”, despite the fact that the song was released in 1981, a time when I had not yet existed.

What is Nostalgia?

a feeling of pleasure and also slight sadness when you thinkabout things that happened in the past:

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/nostalgia

Nostalgia is a complex emotion that is often triggered by memories of the past. It is a sentimental longing for a previous time, experience, or place. Nostalgia can evoke a mix of emotions, including happiness, longing, joy, melancholy, and a deep sense of connection to a particular moment or era. However, there are moments when we feel a nostalgic longing for something we have never personally encountered, a bittersweet longing for a bygone era or a specific location that we have only come across through stories or literature. Nostalgia is not limited to personal experiences; it can also be triggered by stories, music, art, literature, or even cultural references and also memories play a crucial role in nostalgia.

The Power of Nostalgia

Believe it or not, nostalgia have the ability to shape our perceptions of both the past and the present in multiple ways. Let’s take a look how nostalgia influences our perception:

1. We tend to recall the positive aspects of the past, while downplaying or disregarding its difficulties or flaws. This idealized view can shape our perception of the past as a time of simplicity, happiness, and contentment, creating a contrast with our current circumstances. Nostalgia can lead us to compare our present circumstances to the past
2. Nostalgia connects us to our personal and collective history, cultural heritage, and shared experiences. Nostalgic memories can reinforce our sense of self, provide a feeling of continuity, and create a sense of belonging to a particular group or community.
3. Nostalgic memories and perceptions of the past can influence our decision-making processes in the present. We may be drawn to activities, products, or experiences that have a sense of nostalgia, seeking to recreate or recapture the feelings associated with those memories. Nostalgia can shape our preferences, choices, and even people behavior.

Reflecting on Nostalgia

Nostalgia can be a powerful and gives us meaningful emotion and joy, but dwelling solely in nostalgia can have potential risks. Here are some of the drawbacks of excessive focus on nostalgia:

1. Nostalgia idealizes the past, disregarding negatives and emphasizing positive memories. This distorts reality, blurring challenges and difficulties. Excessive romanticization creates an unrealistic expectation to the present.
2. Living in nostalgic memories can create dissatisfaction with the present. Constantly comparing current experiences to a “glorified” past. We may feel discontented with our current circumstances and prevent us from fully appreciating the present. Excessive nostalgia can lead to a disconnection from the present moment.
3. Nostalgia has the potential to hold us back from embracing new experiences and opportunities. When we are deeply rooted in the past, we may resist change in our comfort zones. This resistance to change can hold our personal development, limit our potential, and prevent us from fully engaging with the possibilities of the present and future.

It is essential to be present, appreciate the current blessings, and actively participate in shaping our lives and relationships in the present, but as Christians, how can we view nostalgia in a way that leads us to gratitude and a deeper appreciation of God’s blessings?

God’s Blessings in the Past

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

This verse tells us that God has a purpose and plan for our lives. It emphasizes His faithfulness in guiding and blessing us, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties. We can reflect on our personal stories to see how God’s hand has been at work for our life. It encourages us to trust in His faithfulness and find comfort in knowing that His plans for us are ultimately for our good.

We can also look back at the historical story recorded in the book of Exodus (Exodus 12-14). God’s blessings are evident in the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. He demonstrated His power through the ten plagues, led them through the Red Sea, and provided for their needs in the wilderness. Despite the challenges they faced, God’s blessings were manifest in their journey to the Promised Land. The events of Exodus 12-14 are a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness and protection. This story give us a reminder that God’s blessings and miracles are not limited by human limitations or obstacles. It encourages us to trust in His faithfulness and power as we face our own challenges in our lives.

Embracing the Present

It is essential to be present and appreciate the current blessings. Embracing the present means fully engaging with and appreciating the current moment, rather than dwelling on the past. Gratitude is a practice that trains us to have a sense of contentment and appreciation for the blessings in our lives. By focusing on and acknowledging the goodness of the present moment, we cultivate a sense of gratitude. This can involve recognizing the small joys, relationships, opportunities, and experiences that happen to our lives.

God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

Acts 17:27 NIV

As a Christian, it is important to recognizing God’s presence in everyday experiences. Recognizing God’s presence in everyday life reminds us of His closeness to us at all times. It helps us develop a deeper appreciation for the blessings that surround us, both big and small. It also reminds us that our actions and relationships matter, and the way we engage with the world matters. When we see God’s presence in our interactions and responsibilities, we are motivated to live with purpose and integrity, seeking to bring God’s love and light into the lives of those around us.

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Matthew 18:20 NIV

When we come together in the name of Jesus, He is present among us. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s presence in our interactions with others.

Spiritual Discipline

We can view gratitude as a spiritual discipline refers to intentionally a grateful attitude and expressing thankfulness as a regular practice in our spiritual lives. It involves recognizing and appreciating the blessings, gifts, and goodness that come from God and others. Gratitude as a spiritual discipline offers several benefits:

1. Gratitude redirects our focus from what is lacking or negative to what is present and positive, teaching us to appreciate and find satisfaction in what we already have rather than constantly seeking more.
2. Gratitude as a spiritual discipline acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all good things, humbles us by reminding us of our dependency on God and others.
3. Gratitude maintains our relationship with God as we express thankfulness for His blessings and provisions.

Conclusion

Nostalgia can lead us to gratitude when approached with a balanced perspective. By reflecting on God’s blessings in the past and embracing gratitude in the present, we can find a sense of appreciation for all that God has done and continues to do in our lives. As we journey from nostalgia to gratitude, may reveal God’s blessings in both the precious memories of the past and the ongoing experiences of the present.