Progress

It is important to remember my past, but I don’t think I should stay in that space too long. I also think that my past behavior can be a predictor of my future. I don’t want to sound all weird, but I think it’s really important to reflect on my past journey occasionally because it can give proper perspective to my current situation or circumstances.

I decided many years ago that I would not be a victim. The Lord is the Leader of my life and He doesn’t make mistakes. I don’t always listen to His direction and His leadership like I should. I can easily look back on my life and see those times where there was little or no progress. In almost every case, I was being self-centered and prideful.

The Israelites are about to cross the Jordan River into the land promised to them by God. Moses give a written record of the journey from Egypt to where they are now. Check this out…

¹This is the route the Israelites followed as they marched out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. ² At the Lord’s direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of their march, identified by the different places where they stopped along the way. (Numbers 33:1-2 NLT)

I don’t always keep a written record of my progress. I remember when my children were small, the pediatrician kept a record of their height and weight as they grew up. I think sometimes I check my progress in comparison to others who are like me. When I look back at progress, it encourages my present. Progress is usually a positive trait.

There are times when I took a class or went to a seminar that I wasn’t sure at the time how it would help me, but later it becomes clear that my progress as a professional has grown and I can reflect on a certain event that helped me along the way.

Reflecting on my progress over the years mostly makes me smile and some of it makes me want to cry because of some of my dumb decisions. My progress is measurable and even predictable based on choices that I make going forward. I can’t undo the mistakes of my past, but I can sure determine not to go there again.  I want to keep moving forward with good solid decisions that are directed by the Lord in my heart. I want His Wisdom and His Favor upon everything I put my hand to do.

I think if I look at my past progress occasionally, I’m encouraged to grow and achieve new heights for His honor and His glory. If my past progress reflects a journey with the Lord, I’m an idiot if I stop now. I’m walking with Him toward the finish line or destination of my life here on earth every day.

Pressing On!

Dwayne