Looking Back

We do it every year. Setting those clocks back… as if we can really gain another hour of time. I once heard someone describe it as like cutting an inch off the bottom of a blanket, sewing it to the top of the blanket, then claiming to have a longer blanket!

This year when we turned the clocks back, a friend mentioned how she wished she could turn the clock back even further in time and do some things differently. I felt sad for her because I have definitely  felt that way before. But I don’t really struggle with those thoughts much anymore. As much as I remember the messes and mistakes I’ve made, I realize they have impacted me in ways that have made me who I am today. If I had never needed God’s comfort, I might not know Him the way I do as my Comforter. If I had never needed God’s deep well of grace, I might not have ever known Him as the God of Amazing Grace. God’s sovereignty reigns even in my mistakes. Even in my sin. He has a good plan for my life and can use even those bad things to teach me more of Him and to bring good.

I don’t have to live in regret. And neither do you. If you start to feel preoccupied with thoughts of the past, think about it like this—it’s okay to look back. But look back in a different way….

Look back to remember the people God placed in your life, the ones who brought you closer to Him…and thank them. Write them a letter, a text, or go tell them in person. It will make their day!

Look back to remember the lessons you learned through times of sorrow or sin….now go share that with someone else who is struggling.

Look back to remember what it was like to be on the other side of the chasm, to not know Jesus….and go find someone else who is still there. Tell them your faith story and share the gospel with them.

Look back and remember the goodness of God. And tell your children and your grandchildren all about that goodness.

…And suddenly you are looking back on the past with a smile instead of regret.