Putting the Past Behind

By Sharon Autry

Our train is here!” my husband shouted. We hurried down the steps, one child in a stroller, the oldest on her own feet, and Crislynn holding my hand being dragged behind me. From the train platform, my sister Laurie watched the whole ordeal as we ran toward her through the subway station. 

She described how Crislynn desperately tried to pick up all the used subway ticket treasures that were scattered on the concrete floor. But I was pulling her along. She’d look up briefly and find a pole in front of her. So her little arm would fly up in front of her face as protection in case she rammed into the pole. As soon as we passed one pole, she’d look down and grab for some lucky ticket only to find herself on a collision course with another pole. Arm in front of her face, she protected herself again.

This repeated three times before we finally made it to the train where we found Aunt Laurie laughing hysterically.

Lately, I’ve been hanging onto God, not focused on where He is taking me, but trying to pick up the pieces behind me – the way things used to be, the plan that was clear to me then, the treasure of the past.

I long to know what’s ahead, but I realize I’m so busy trying to pick up scraps and put the pieces together that I haven’t been asking God, who has a solid grip on my hand, “Where are we going?” I haven’t been following, but instead have been pulling against Him, forcing Him to drag me to the new place.

Life is much more certain and safe when I stop fighting Him. I may not know where the train is headed, but I know I’m protected and more prepared for the obstacles that come along when I choose to look ahead and walk with Him. (Jeremiah 29:11)

PRAYER: Lord, why do things seem so clear when I observe them in my children? I don’t want to resist Your leading but lean into You and follow, eyes wide open, tightly gripping Your Hand.

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me; thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of my enemies, and thy right hand shall save me,” Psalm 138:7 KJV.

Today’s devotional is by Sharon Autry, a wife and mom of 3. She has co-authored two books with her sister, Mom and Loving It and Hold You, Mommy. For helpful mom resources, visit www.momandlovingit.org.