On the way home from the coast, a glance in my mirror reminds me to not look back…

What a different fall this will be! Thinking about how it used to be will steal our energy and joy. Especially when it leads to doubt, fear, and complaints.

Letting go of the past frees us to live fully in this moment with Jesus, trusting our future to God with expectation that He loves us and will fulfill His purposes for us. It opens us up to be thankful for the good gifts along this uncharted path.

Try these things to switch from looking back to looking forward:

• How is your way of thinking about this fall making you feel?
• Be creative and brainstorm: what can you do to connect with people and make the most of the time this fall?
• Take a moment to pray, talking about your feelings and desires for this fall with God. Ask His guidance for how to live and love well!

Here’s a peek into my journal. The following includes some verses that came to mind as I prayerfully spend some time reading the Bible on my front porch (which is my favorite place to begin a summer morning!).

This series of verses encourage our heart to trusts God, looking forward with optimism:

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV

“But Lot’s wife… looked back.” Genesis 19:26
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“… in their hearts they turned to Egypt.” Acts 7:39
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“By faith Abraham…went out, not knowing where he was going. For he was looking forward…” Hebrews 11:8-10
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“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2

Will you pray with me? “Lord, forgive me for the times I have looked back. It doesn’t lead anywhere good, away from Your peace. I trust You with what’s ahead this fall. Please fill me with the courage and joy to live today and love the people You have put in my life.”