Looking Back
I am a huge proponent of looking forward. I blogged a while back about how important it is to notice the size of the windshield versus the rear-view mirror. That blog is called The Rear View Perspective. I can learn a lot about where I am today by reflecting a bit on where I’ve been. I get into trouble if I live in the past rather than simply glance back at my journey. I have some good times with the Lord in my past and I’ve also had some very rocky times when I was ignoring Him and resisting His love. I’ve since learned the stupidity of running from the Lord or ignoring Him. I really identified with Asaph’s writing as he reflecting on some of his past and how he was going to move forward. Check this out…
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
13 Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
14 You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. (Psalm 77:11-15 NIV)
I heard the phrase “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. I read it connected to Winston Churchill, but it is attributed to George Santayana. This is a catchy phrase, but not always true. I have learned from my past sins and mistakes and I still repeat them. I get so frustrated with myself when I stumble at the same spot. I will also say that it really inspires me when I look back at my life and see the hand of God all over me. He was with me when I was a kid in High School. He was with me through my college years. He was with me in my early days of youth ministry. He was with me through a hard divorce. He was with me through being fired. He was with me through the transition to real estate sales and service. He was with me when my kind fought and beat cancer. He was with me when my youngest kid fell from a tree and survived. He has never left me – not once. He is not a “fair weather friend”. He is a loyal friend that knows me like no one else. He is faithful, consistent, constant and kind. I need to be reminded of my past journey with the Lord as these memories can illuminate my path today and going forward.
Pressing On!
Dwayne