Go Forward!

Today, as we stand on the threshold of 2016, my encouragement to you is don't look back. Don't look back and get tripped up by the trail of distress and despair that you may have left behind in 2015. Don't look back with longing at the trivial pursuits that may have cost you valuable time and robbed you of the results you long for. Don't look over your shoulder for the companions that left you in a heap of negativity and drained you of the energy required for making the difference you want to make. Don't wallow in regret and self pity over the mistakes you made......instead, pick yourself up and go forward!

Go forward in spite of the mountains of doubt that surround you, and the weight of fear that bears down upon you. Go forward in the mustard seed faith that you can muster, because that is the only thing that you may have to hold on to at this time....and boy, do we need that little bit of faith whispering in our ear when the going gets tough. Keep moving ahead even though the memories of the wounds inflicted by loved ones might be strong. The sting of betrayal may still linger in your heart, and it may be difficult to let go of the hurt but if you keep dwelling on the hurts of the past, you are sure to miss the healing of the present. Grab a hold of the gift of today, the promise of tomorrow and move forward.

The road ahead is entirely one of your making. There are great things in store for your future but its unfolding demands that you keep your head out of the rear-view mirror. It requires that you understand firstly that though God has big plans for you, their realization depends on your claiming them, and moving to make them happen. Full focus. Forgetting those things that are behind. Pressing towards the mark of that High Calling. Letting go. Dropping off. Moving into that promise! Your future...who you become.... is a beautiful gift from God. But if you never move forward to claim it, unwrap it, and use it to benefit others it will remain the unfulfilled promise that was (or could have been) YOU!

So move forward, my friend. The new year offers you the opportunity to start afresh....to challenge yourself.....to rise from the ashes.....to uncover the pearls under the sand, the diamond under the coal of your character. Let the ebb and flow of life wash away the sands of past mistakes, broken dreams and bring ashore the golden promise of a better you. Make your moments matter, your life count for something. Square your shoulders and go forward...Boldly!