Look back.

The trees grow thick with glossy green leaves. Wildflowers spray their blues and yellows and purples across the meadow.

The flutter of bird wings stops when they settle into their triumphant songs.

But there’s more. You imagine the warmth of an embrace, the gentleness of a kiss, the brightness of the morning sun on your face softly shaking you awake.

The past is rich and strong, the fabric of your life. You were formed by your past, by the love others poured into you. The faith and honor they entrusted in you.

To you much has been given.

And here is the temptation: to linger too long. To wrap yourself in yesterday’s meadow, to let memory soothe you until it becomes a place of hiding. Comfort can be a gift, but it can also be a snare.

You can’t remain in the past. It’s only a quick indulgence to peek at what is there. The wildflowers will fade if you try to hold them too tightly.

Now it is time: the doors into your future are opening by My hand. Don’t remain in this place. Walk forward.

Your steps matter. If you stay, the blessing stops with you. But if you move ahead, your future will become a sweet past for someone else. For someone who needs the beauty you experienced. Share it.

Remember the things I have done in the past.

      For I alone am God!

      I am God, and there is none like me.

Isaiah 46:9

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. All rights reserved.

For other grief resources, see the Grief Support page on my website. Also, I have written a book, Cutting Through Despair: Dare to Hope, which explores stories of people overcoming hardships as they trust God.