Tag Archives: moving on with life

Living Life in Your Rear View Mirror

Although many people enjoy playing the role of Monday morning quarterback, some are haunted by prior mistakes.  Like a back up quarterback who is adored until they get in the game, an embarrassing moment while in the spotlight can stay with individuals for years.  Every time someone tries to move on, the stains of time appear in the rear view mirror.

As for me, I can think of several days I would like to forget or get a mulligan to do over.  One of things I regret the most in life  is not telling one of my best friends from high school the reason for my new found joy.  Before I had another open invitation to share my faith, she died of cancer.  This image returns in various forms such as her favorite songs, topics of previous conversations and visions of a precious smile.  Even when you try, its hard to let go of pain from your past.

A common theme professed by pastors in history refer to the devil reminding sinners of their past.  Once preoccupied by guilt, remorse and shame, new believers are unable to experience the new beginning promised by Jesus.  Thus, souls live in fear, with one eye on the future and the other in their rear view mirror.  May any of you stuck in the past experience a resurrected spirit, washed by the blood of the Lamb, Colossians 2:13-15.

by Jay Mankus

 

The Funeral Ends Today

As human beings with hearts, souls and minds, its hard to move on, especially when someone or something is gone.  Just before Christmas an old friend had their grandparents house explode due to a gas leak, erasing any existence of their home and possessions.  Fortunately, they were not home at the time, but every album and cherished picture was obliterated, becoming a distance memory.

In the film We Are Marshall, based upon a true story, when a plane crash wipes out 69 members of the Thundering Herd football program during a storm in the late 1970’s.  Jack Lengyel, played by Matthew McConaughey is hired to rebuild a program, attempting to rise from the ashes of this disaster.  Slowly rebuilding a team, piece by piece, Coach Lengyel gives a touching pregame speech in front of the statue dedicated to their fallen teammates.  Before getting back on the bus to play their game, the motivational talk ends with the words, “the funeral ends today!”

While just a movie, these words provide sound advice for 2014.  The apostle Paul uses a similar expression in Philippians 3:12-14.  Despite what you’ve accomplished in the past, whether good or bad, its pointless to beat yourself up inside, leading to misery and regret.  Therefore, you should press on toward the future, taking hold of the things God has called you to do on earth.  Whatever pain you’ve endure throughout your life or in 2013, make Coach Lengyel’s words your prayer, “the funeral ends today!”

by Jay Mankus