One of my tasks for the new year is to clean up my digital footprint. To keep this from being an arduous task and to make sure I clean up EVERYTHING, I decided to begin by tackling the daily “memories” on one of my social media accounts. Paging through the memories invoked a variety of emotions and thoughts ranging from joy, sadness, and embarrassment. I hung on to those “memories” I wouldn’t mind popping up on my feed annually and delete those that remind me of a less mature version of myself, perhaps under the influence or need to put on my best social media face to impress others or caught up in things that distracted me from living or posts that were reminders of a painful time. I find myself cleaning up the messier version of myself – choosing to keep those memories that bring a smile to my face or that I wouldn’t mind someone stumbling across.

As I was deleting, I thought about the pointlessness of my actions. Yes, it would clean up my profile but all of those moments were representative of who I was at that particular moment in my life. Looking back I could see the growth, change, a woman I could be proud of. Deleting the posts weren’t going to change who I was or who I am today.

Just like my digital footprint, there are moments in my life that I would like to forget. Painful, shameful and regretful moments…moments I wish I could delete. If I delete those moments, would I be the person I am today? Each of the moments I want to delete were necessary for my growth and the journey ahead. In all those things, I was being molded, shaped and refined to the person I am today – with lessons and memories to encourage me through the journey. Most importantly they taught me about grace.

My favorite scripture is Romans 8:28, ” And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose”. When you belong to God, He does not waste anything. Those things you want to delete, worked out for your good.