Looking Behind Isn’t What It’s Cracked Up to Be

Jan. 6, 2013

I heard something today that made me laugh partly because it is funny and partly because it rings so true.  The topic was keeping your focus forward.  If you focus on the past, you will stay there.  If you stay right where you are today and not move, you are just as “dead.”  But, if you look forward and are constantly reaching forward, you live more fully and God will bless you.  Your body is designed to move forward.  Your eyes are in the front of your head so you can see ahead.  Your arms and hands can reach much further forward.  But, they can only reach a small amount backwards.  Your feet are designed to keep you balanced as you walk forward.  The only thing that is behind you is your behind!  If you put your behind in front of you, then you will only end up stepping in your own mess.

In 2 Kings 7, four lepers were exiled from the city in famine.  They knew they couldn’t go back to the city because they were already thrown out due to their leprosy plus, there was famine in the city so they couldn’t get food anyway.  They also knew that if they stayed where they were they would die of starvation just the same.  The only viable option was to go out to the enemy’s camp and hope that they wouldn’t die there too.  So, they moved forward.  They tried something different from what they have been doing which wasn’t working at all.  They stepped out, and when they did, God blessed them by scaring away the enemy.  When the lepers reached the enemy camp, it was deserted but all the food, tents, horses, donkeys, silver, gold, and clothes were left.  In the midst of desperation and desolation, they found abundance in such a way that only God can provide. 

As we have started this New Year, as a family, that is our focus.  There are some things in our lives that we need to change in an effort to restore some normalcy in the midst of illness.  We are looking at our present situation and seeing where we need to step out on faith and make changes.  We are looking forward.  I am so sick of talking about sickness.  I’m so tired of talking about fatigue.  I am looking forward to improved health for all of us because isn’t that what we all want – to be even just a little healthier than the previous year?  That’s why so many diets are started as New Year’s Resolutions.  I am looking forward to a closer relationship with my Lord and Savior.  I am looking forward to reaching toward a better, more concrete plan for Aron’s flight training.  I am looking forward to Kelsey getting her driver’s license in a few months.  I am looking forward to being able to spend more time in my secretary-elect position at Christian Counselors of Texas (especially now since the role looks like it will be expanding).  I am looking forward to more dates with Tim (hint, hint!).  I am so looking forward to see how God will bless me and my family this year.