Forward

If we pay attention, the Universe delivers messages.

Are we on the right path?

Are we in the right relationship?

Are we in the right career?

“Right,” being right for us.

Not right for them, or her, or him – right for us.

Last week, I watched a Netflix series called Away.

I can’t recommend it enough – a badass astronaut (played by Hillary Swank), leads a team to Mars.

At some point in her journey, she grows weary and depressed and wants to go home.

Then she has a conversation with a fellow astronaut and the astronaut tells her, “You’re looking down, and you need to be looking up. … You’re looking in the wrong direction.”

That same weekend, I was driving to someone’s house, and they were following me. I noticed I kept looking in the rearview mirror. As expected, I was driving all over the place, until I realized what I was doing.

Until I realized, “if you look back, it’s pretty difficult to go forward.”

Why was I looking in the rearview mirror?

Did I care what this person thought of my driving?

How silly.

Yet, this silly moment spoke to me in two ways –

Focus on what’s in front of you.

Losing sight over what other’s think prevents you from driving properly.

Simple.

But, powerful for me.

This summer has been the most profitable summer of my life.

It’s also been peaceful, meaningful and purpose driven.

Covid, as it turns out, removed every last distraction for me.

I’ve had the Covid blinders on – seeing nothing other than what’s in front of me with work.

This focus began last year.

This year, it’s been sharpened.

And the messages, and the timing of my life seem to be reminding me –

Life is forward.

Looking back is for learning.

Sometimes we must go back, to go forward –

To untangle, and unwind for healing and growth and understanding.

But, we can’t stay there.

Not if we want to keep driving.

The people that are meant to be in the car with us, will stay –

The place we are headed, will be there if it’s meant for us –

But while we’re on the journey, can we listen?

Can we listen to the things God / The Universe is saying?

Can we choose the right path?

The one we know we should be walking.

The one that brings us peace, because it has our name on it.

Can we choose the right relationship?

The one that brings us joy, instead of pain.

The one that’s forged on good things – things of substance.

The one that’s a partnership, each aiding and supporting the other along the way to becoming better.

Can we choose the right career?

The place where we give back the talents and unique abilities that God has given to us.

Can we remember that life is in front of us?

That it’s ours to take, and design and run with.

…Can we choose the things that keep us moving forward?