I took a little extra time getting up this morning after the 5:15 alarm. An extra cup of coffee. Extra time in God’s word, extra time talking with The Lord.
In February we moved away. But in a very real sense, part of me stayed behind.
Certainly, much of what made me feel comfortable, secure, known and loved was left behind. Family, church and friends remained there. We came here and started putting down roots. A part of me still wanted to linger, just a while longer.
These past few months I have been so aware of all the events leading up to now. All the ways God has been preparing us for this next season. Yet I have remained there, in that place of nostalgia and remembrance. Not dwelling in sadness and loss, but rather in humble gratitude and love.
The ways we were challenged and discipled. Especially the people who invested in us. Believed in us. Over and over I’ve prayed and thanked God for them. For their lives, ministry and influence. For their future, their families and their health.
This morning, my hand and heart have opened a little more, tenderly releasing its grip on a very good past in order to take hold of a very good time to come. God is so faithful.
There will be new faces added to the pictures hanging above my desk. New names in my prayer book. New ministries to embrace and support.
I will not forget, but I will press on.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:12-14 NIV
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