I wore this T-shirt today (Sunday). Someone from the church picked it up for me since they know I absolutely love this movie. (And yes, I wear T-shirts to preach in on Sunday morning. I serve a church where wearing a tie usually means a funeral or a wedding).
Unless I miss my guess most of us have had a time or two or three where we have wished we could turn back the clock or travel back in time for a “do over.” I’m reminded of a song Jo likes to listen-“Dear Younger Me” by MercyMe. Well, as we all know we can’t hop in our DeLorean and travel back in time and change the course of history…our history. Sadly, we can’t get a “do over.”
But, in reality, life isn’t about “do overs.” Life is about what is ahead. Jo and I have been talking a lot lately about forgetting the past and looking ahead. We can’t change it but we can make a difference in the days to come. Craig Groeschel, in his new book Divine Direction says:
It’s not too late to change the story that you’ll tell one day. You can start something new. No matter how desperate, uncertain, afraid, or stuck you may feel right now, your story isn’t over. Page 28
At the end of Back to the Future 3, Marty and Jennifer are talking to Doc who has come back to 1985 in a train. When Jennifer shows Doc the picture and says something about their future, Doc says, “Nobody’s future has been written yet. So make it a good one…both of you.” He is both right and wrong. Our future is known by God. He orders our steps according to Proverbs. But since none of us know our future, we need to make it the best one we can. And to quote Craig again:
There is no better time to start writing your future story than right now. Page 46
That’s pretty good and solid advice. Taking a DeLorean seems easier. Just change it before it happens. But that is not going to happen. So start today and make it a good one…following the Father’s plan and steps.
Jesus can give us a new start at any time in our lives. As Dick and I approach retirement we are giving the idea of a new start a lot of thought. good advice, Bill.
Thanks Pam. Jo has already retired and even though I turn 65 this October, I have no plans to. Several other factors are included in that but I wish you and Dick well.
This is my theme this year…
I must admit that I am not doing very well so far.
I think I need to pick up this book.
So far it has been a good book. i would suggest it.
🙂
🙂 back at ya. And even though I know the shirt was a freebee, I sure do appreciate it.
I thought of the old Garth Brooks song about Thanking God for unanswered prayers.
Often we think we know whats best…but hindsight shows God is ALWAYS right. We need to trust Him when He doesn’t answer our prayers as we see fit.
When I think of some of my old prayers, I’m thankful God didn’t answer them as I wanted…I think I would be a much different person had He caved to my wants.
He truly is a wise and gracious God.
Since I’m not a GB fan (me & country don’t mix), I’m not aware of the lyrics but I get your gist. I, too, am glad God has not answered every prayer i wanted Him to.
sounds like a good book, will have to add it to my stack..
You sound like me Betty. I will have to add it to my stack. 🙂
So important we remember this–it’s not over yet. The story may be in sad or difficult chapter at the moment, but it won’t stay there unless we give up or forfeit our right to move forward. There’s always a choice! Funny how we can forget that though. Thanks Bill.
Good advice. I used to say this a lot back in my coaching days. It’s a good reminder to hear that God is in the redemption business… and business is good.