The time is approaching, and I am not ready.

I can officially say that educators in my district return to work next Thursday the 17th and I’m desperately trying to delay that day. I’m taking moments to sleep in later and be more social before the school year starts and my time will be thoroughly consumed by everything that I added to my plate. Don’t misunderstand me, I absolutely LOVE everything that I do and I’m grateful for everything that God has blessed me with, but summertime naps just hit differently! Lol!

---

Today I am writing to you from a place of reflection and gratitude. As I sit in Panera Bread waiting for the dealership to give me news about my car, Beauty, I sit in awe at God and how He has manifested Himself in my life.

I distinctly remember when I prayed for everything that I have now. I’ve been seeing those words often on my Facebook timeline and I had to sit with God for a moment to literally recall all of my prayers over the years. Prayers for financial stability; peace, passion, and purpose in my “paycheck” (my career); a man to love me, pour into me, and intensify my relationship with God; and good health. All of that and more, God has given me and my heart just rejoices- both in the gift and the gift Giver. I have found my voice and using it to tell the world about our loving Savior brings fulfillment like I’ve never known.

With all of the joy and fulfillment, I am cautious to remember from where God has brought me. As I navigate this journey called life, I often glance back at where I’ve been, not to stay or dwell there, but instead to acknowledge the growth that I’ve received in Christ.

---

Beloved, if you were wondering what the point of today’s #MondayMessage is, it’s this: Glance back, don’t go back.

One of the greatest metaphors for life that I’ve ever heard said something to the effect of “our rearview mirror is smaller than our windshield because we are only supposed to glance behind us.” Yeah, I probably butchered that all the way up but you get the point. Time only moves one way which means that we should stay in touch with our past as a point of reference, while simultaneously staying focused on what’s ahead.

On this first Monday in August (although we are already one week into this month), I want to encourage you to thank your past for who you are and who you will be. Praise God for the lessons and the blessings that brought you to where you currently are in life, but don’t stay in that past. So often we forgo the blessings that God has for us today because we are too busy holding onto the people and things of yesterday (read that again!). Trust God, sweet friend; relax, relate, release (in my Whitley Gilbert voice) and allow God to love on you lavishly.

Be blessed.