Monday, September 10, 2012

Can't go back now





On our way back from UT, this talk came on the ipod. I don't care who you are, where you are in life, you need to read/watch/listen to it. Really, go do it now. I've heard it a few times since it is probably my favorite BYU devotional ever, but it couldn't have come at a more perfect time. I have had a really, really good life and made a lot of amazing friends and memories, but I have a problem with getting stuck in the past, wishing things could always stay the way they were.

There were times when we first moved out here and I felt so tired and lonely, I thought this could never be home and that things could never be as great as they once were. On a particularly bad day, I just started bawling and asked Jacob if we had made the right choice. Maybe we should have taken the job offer in Arizona, bought a nice house, been close to friends and family. Things have gotten better as I've been more proactive about making friends and being involved, but I was still always thinking about "better" times.

Then I listened to this, specifically this part, "So a more theological way to talk about Lot’s wife is to say that she did not have faith. She doubted the Lord’s ability to give her something better than she already had. Apparently she thought—fatally, as it turned out—that nothing that lay ahead could possibly be as good as those moments she was leaving behind." And I realized: that is so me! I had never really thought that my attitude showed a lack of faith, but it totally did. This life is all about progression! So as we literally drove away from our past, I decided right there to just let it go. Take the good from it, and move on. I instantly felt that a burden had lifted. I also felt a little stupid for not having thought of such a simple solution on my own. And whenever I'm tempted to look back, I just keep reminding myself: There are great things ahead. There are great things now.


5 comments:

Brooke Passey said...

Thanks for reminding me of this talk. It is my favorite devotional as well and I remember listening to it in the marriot center and realizing that I had some pretty big things that I needed to just let go. I think there will always be different things in our lives we need to let go of, and talks like this one are good reminders

Brooke Passey said...

-brooke

Annie Hall said...

I needed that quote this very day, so thanks! :)

Amanda said...

My favorite devotional, too. Sometimes appreciating the now is the hardest part.

Unknown said...

one of my favorites too! i read it often since i tend to forget the message so much. thanks for reminding me again :)