Back to School Night?

Last night Kim and I went to our son’s and daughter’s high school for “Back to School Night.”  That meant two and a half hours of listening to teachers try to explain their course syllabi,  expectations, grading systems, along with all the get-to-know-you information -  all in a space of about twelve minutes each.  In between classes, we had about three minutes to get to the next class through a jam packed hallway while trying to read a map of the school or find a student who could point us in the right direction.  Kim followed our daughter Joanna’s schedule. I went to our son Nathaniel’s classes. 

Of course it really wasn’t “Back to School Night” as entitled. Rather, it was simply what I would call, “Meet the Teachers and Hear All About Your Kid’s Work Night.”  After all, we as parents didn’t learn anything about history or math or science.  We didn’t have to do any reading assignments or write any essays.  Nor did we have to take any tests or participate in any after school clubs or sports teams. We didn’t have to deal with any of the real stuff of being in high school.  It really wasn’t “Back to School Night.”   And for me, that was OK. 

At this stage in my life, I’d prefer not to have to go back to high school.  Not that high school was so terrible, but it was good to move on.  In fact, after high school I was glad to go to college. And, after college I was glad to get my first job, to get married, to go to seminary, to enter the ministry, to have a family, etc. Although I may have enjoyed and appreciated each stage of my life thus far, I don’t think I really want to go back.  Nor, can I. Nor, can you.  All we can do is look ahead and keep on moving forward. 

There are times when it’s nice to reminisce. It can be fun to think about the “good old days.”  But, the plans and purposes of God for our lives are not found in the past.  What God has planned for us is not discovered by going back, but rather by moving forward. 

Maybe that’s why the Apostle Paul wrote, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 – NIV)

Your past may have been wonderful or it may have been terrible. Either way, you will not get to where God wants you by always looking back. Rather, you will experience what he has for you by moving forward. 

I want to encourage you today to look ahead and move forward with God.  He has good plans for your future and a wonderful “prize” for you in eternity. 

Have a great day!  

-Pastor Tim Harris