Thinking Back or Moving Forward?

 

An old picture of our farmhouse front porch

Today I saw a post on Instagram about being nostalgic and it got me thinking about

how we long for the "old days." 

I look at that picture of the old front porch and it makes me remember the years we spent there,

raising boys, feeding horses, working on the land and barns and fields of rye grass, year after year.

We've all grieved a bit over those years, but then I thought about where we are now

and boy...I wouldn't miss any of this for anything.

The many years past that old farmhouse have brought us wisdom,

learning from mistakes, 7 grandchildren, 2 beautiful daughters,

job experience, life experience

and knowledge we could have only gained

through trials and hard times.

Our children have grown, we've grown and our lives are moving in good

directions.

Do we have regrets?

Of course.

But even those regrets have taught us how to live in the present and

the future.

I look at all of us now and I see my boys building their business, helping others,

raising families, loving their wives and children and being good providers.

I watch my daughter-in-loves being good mommies and cooking amazing meals,

serving others, loving their people so well and I'm so grateful we are here to watch

their lives flourish.

I see my marriage still going strong after

storms, moves, job loss, health issues and other hardships 

and I'm proud of us for loving each other through all of it. 

I learned a new skill last week, as my son taught me how to 

record my books and use the computer technology that I usually try to avoid.

This is a big, growing step for me and I'm excited to learn and grow.

I went back to work after 32 years of not working.

I learned new things that I can take into the future. 

Life is still moving forward and if I did nothing but look back all the time,

I would miss all of this.

Being nostalgic is fun, but living life and 

moving forward on the journey God has for you...

even better.

What about you?

Are you stuck in the memories of the past

or are you growing and learning and gathering nuggets for the future?

It's definitely something to think about.

Until Next Time...

Blessings!