“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
C.S. Lewis
One of my favorite activities on the playground, as a little girl, was swinging on the monkey bars. It was also a bit scary for me, wondering if I’d make it to the next bar or if I’d be left dangling, eventually needing to drop to the ground. I learned one truth: You can’t move forward without letting go. Unless I released my hands from the bar behind, I could not grasp the one that was right in front of me. As I declutter our house in order to downsize, I am keenly aware of this truth: I have to let go and look forward.
Genesis 45:20 says, “Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.” Pharaoh’s encouraging words to Israel, Joseph’s father, were just what he needed to hear to pack up his belongings and make a move. The relocation was a provision from God for Israel, his sons, and their families during a time of famine.
That same Scripture gives comfort and encouragement to my heart as well. It’s as if God is whispering in my ear, The best is yet to come. I’m to let go of the past, while holding onto the memories, and look forward to what He has next for us, which will include wonderful new memories to be made. Banking on the goodness of God, I know whatever is around the corner will be the best for the Donovan family.
Part of my decluttering process involves being grateful for the past memories and the enjoyment of our current house, while praying our house will be a blessing for the new family that moves in. II Corinthians 5:17b states, “The old has gone, the new has come.” If I don’t process the old, I can’t embrace and enjoy the new.
We cannot fully cleave to what’s next, without first leaving our past. We must leave before we cleave. Join me in letting go of the past, and looking forward to what God has next for us, as we swing from one monkey bar in life to the next. For truly, the best is yet to come!
“Look back and thank God. Look forward and trust God.”
Anonymous
Relevant Reflections:
What do you need to let go of in order to look forward to the future?
Spend time thanking God for your past and for your future up ahead.