"The Past is Over"

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:13-14

In the latter part of the nineteenth century, when the Methodist Church was holding its denominational convention, one leader stood up and shared his vision both for the church and society at large. He told the ministers and evangelists how he believed someday men would fly from place to place instead of merely traveling on horseback. It was a concept too outlandish for many members of his audience to handle.

One minister, Bishop Wright, stood up and angrily protested. “Heresy!” he shouted. “Flight is reserved for the angles!” He went on to elaborate that if God had intended for man to fly, He would have given him wings. Clearly, the bishop was unable to envision what the speaker was predicting.

When Bishop Wright finished his brief protest, he gathered up his two sons, Orville and Wilbur, and left the auditorium. Several years later, on December 17, 1903, those two sons did what their father called impossible: they recorded the first human flight.

John Barrymore said, “A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.” Yesterday ended last night. So today it is more valuable to look ahead than to look back and regret.

Vivian Laramore Rader said, “I’ve shut the door on yesterday and thrown the key away–tomorrow holds no fears for me, since I’ve found today.”

Daniel Meacham cautions, “Keep your eye on the road, and use your rearview mirror only to avoid trouble.” 

The past is over. To succeed, you must be willing to shed part of your previous life and keep your focus on what’s ahead. Make decisions each day that support your future goals, and persist toward the mark ahead of you.