I remember being nervous at the beginning of a new school year.  I had to think about starting new classes that seemed to increase in intensity and difficulty each year.  There was always a sense of apprehension in meeting new people and taking on new responsibilities.  I would always have to re-establish relationships that had been on hold for the summer.  

 

 

But together with the apprehension was also a feeling that I was beginning a new chapter.  There was a sense of being able to leave behind the mistakes of the past year and start fresh with a clean sheet of paper.  

 

If we are not careful we can be burdened by dwelling on the things of the past!  We should learn from them, but we can’t allow them to keep us from going and growing.  Remember the words of Paul in Phil. 3:13; “One thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. . .”  In the context Paul talks about the prize that God had reserved for him in heaven.  

The principle however, holds true for each step of our Christian walk.  We should learn from the past but not dwell on it!  Each day, each milestone in our lives is a chance for us to reassess our relationship to God, to look ahead, and to anticipate the exciting things that God has prepared for us!  With each new day, we can remember the words of Proverbs 16:3; “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”