Sometimes you have to draw a line in the sand…
Or on the wall…or in your mind.
I’ve worked with many people who can’t seem to move forward, because of a past failure or disappointment.
It could be a marriage damaged by an affair. The injured spouse is not sure she (or he) can ever trust again. After counseling, time to heal, and repentance on the part of the offender, the injured spouse simply can’t seem to forgive and move forward to build the marriage again.
It could be after a personal failure. The person feels they will never recover, so they refuse to take another risk. They remain miserable, but they can’t seem to pull themselves out of the emotional hold they’ve placed on their life. They may not be able to internalize the truth of God’s grace in their life.
It could be after a financial loss. The person can’t see that life will be any better than it is right now, so they refuse to invest or dream again.
Whatever the reason…and I’ve seen many…life has a way of sucking the passion to move forward out of us at times.
In circumstances like these (and many others), one mental “exercise” I’ve done is to draw a mental line indicating a starting over point. I’ve even drawn it on a board for people, such as the picture above. There’s nothing “magical” about this practice. It’s simply an opportunity to remind yourself of the truth that you can “forget what is behind and press forward”. (Philippians 3:13) You can begin again. You can make better choices. You can get up (again) and take another risk on life. You can do it today!
Get out a piece of paper, if it’s serious enough, draw it on the wall of your house, but maybe just a mental picture…then sign and dated it…Yesterday was then, today is today, and tomorrow is tomorrow. Move forward from this point with the rest of your life.
Thank you Ron for such a profound article. I really did need to read something like this today as I am one who is always starting and stopping. I get frustrated and quit. Not good.
I am very bad at procrastinating,second guessing myself and just pure anxiety about whether or not what I produce is good enough.
Thanks for the reminder that it really is okay to start over when I fall of or down; when I don't seem to reach that goal I am striving for. Drawing a line in the sand that says, this is my starting over point. Which is what I have recently done with my writing endeavors.
As always great pearls of wisdom and practicality.
Thanks for your insightful articles.
Thanks so much for taking the time to encourage me!
We really all need to learn to live in the present moment, the place where God is! Good article.
Thanks
True Pastor Ron! As Max Lucado puts it, " Everyday deserves a chance". When we submit ourselves to God, we can always have a brand new start. As we fill our day with God, we can navigate life's challenges with promise and purpose.
Love that thought "Everyday deserves a chance"….do you recommend a particular book of Max Lucado Uma?
My favorite is “He Still Moved Stones”
Melissa! Max Lucodo has written several books (over 50 books) of which most of them are best sellers. Some of his books which I would personally recommend would be — (i) 3:16: The Numbers of Hope (ii) Just Like Jesus (iii) In the Grip of Grace (iv) When God Whispers Your Name (v) Fearless (vi) Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference I believe that you would enjoy these books for sure. <DIV> <DIV id=SkyDrivePlaceholder></DIV> From: [email protected]: [email protected]: Melissa replied to your comment on Draw a Line in the Sand (Or on the Wall)
Love that too. Thanks Uma
We miss moments if we lose focus because of the worries of yesterday, or the dread of tomorrow. Holding my 5 month old grandson and watching his expressions helps me to zero in on the NOW!
Gain from the past, don't let it rob you….look to the future, hand in hand with God….
Amen.