Keeping The Past Out Of Sight

Keeping the Past out of Sight

I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14

On my refrigerator door is a yellowed Peanuts cartoon. Charlie Brown is on the pitcher’s mound, and Lucy is handing him the ball.

“Sorry I missed that easy fly ball, Manager,” she says. “I thought I had it, but suddenly I remembered all the others I’ve missed.”

As she turns away in the final panel, she says, “The past got in my eyes.”

Can you identify with that situation? I sure can. One morning while playing tennis, I missed a perfect forehand, then grumbled at myself, embarrassed to have performed poorly in front of my new partner, Iris. I missed the next shot as well. Again, I apologized.

Iris said softly, “Play the next ball, Sandra.”

The next ball? Of course. Just like Lucy, I had been so intent on replaying the missed shot in my mind that I was missing the balls after that one too.

Unfortunately, I can identify with the past getting in my eyes in more areas than just sports. But in life’s journey, I’ve learned it is possible to let go of experiences that keep us from being open to the good future God wants to give. I also know letting go is a process: We first look at the events honestly, then learn to understand their power, and finally, use that new understanding to move confidently into brighter days. —SANDRA

Lord, it is easy to let the past get in my eyes. But when I let that happen, I miss seeing the joy waiting ahead. Help me to look to you. Help me to leave the past in your hands in exchange for a brighter future.

The family you come from isn’t as important as the family you’re going to have.

—RING LARDNER (1885–1933), AMERICAN WRITER