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By Betsy Ore Glass

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Taking a boat ride is a thrill for me. My nautical expertise is somewhat limited, so I am dependent on a knowledgeable captain to steer us in the right direction and keep us safe. Learning all the boating terms is quite a challenge and as for tying knots, well, I will have to leave that to the more experienced boater. Spending an afternoon on the boat enjoying the breezes, the warmth of the sun and the occasional spray from the water adds to the moment. Instead of looking forward to where we are going, I find that I prefer looking back at the churning waters left behind in the boat’s wake.

Today we are talking about which direction we are facing. If we are describing it in boating terminology, it would be forward or aft. We have many choices that help to shape our future and the future can be altered if we persist in living in the past. Looking back at “what should have been” or “what could have been” is not productive. We can’t look forward and back at the same time. It’s impossible. Our destiny is in front of us and it requires 100% of our concentration. Living in remorse takes up precious time. However, we shouldn’t confuse this with remembering old times with fondness and melancholy, which can be refreshment to our spirit. There is no payoff in focusing on what we have left in our wake. Release the past today. Pray for His mercy to let it go. Rather, the reward lies with God who is leading us forward to the great plan He has for us.

Betsy Ore Glass has long-standing ties to the Outer Banks. From Virginia Beach, her family bought a vacation cottage in the 60s and her love of the area began. Later in the 90s, Betsy and her husband bought a weekend cottage and introduced the area to their children. Then Betsy’s parents retired to KDH where the family gathered often. Reach her at betsyglass1@gmail.com. To learn more about her books, visit betsyoreglass.com.

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