My perspective today is certainly different than it was a year or five years ago. And it will be different a year from now. As I make my way up the mountain, I pause to look around. From here, I see new things that I wasn’t aware of before. I also see familiar things, but this time, from a different vantage point, I see it in a completely new way. The higher up I climb, the more I realize that the things I thought were important at the base no longer serve a purpose as I head towards the summit. If I don’t stop and take stock of what I’m carrying, put down what I no longer need, and pick up what I’ll need for the next leg of my journey, I won’t be equipped for what’s ahead. If I don’t choose to pack wisely before moving on, I won’t have what’s needed when it’s needed.
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 AMP
We’re all on a journey, and it’s important to pause frequently and look around. Where you’re at today is different than where you were before. You are moving in one direction or the other, and the people around you are as well. If you choose not to stop and take in the new view, consider what’s ahead, and pack well, your journey will be harder and more challenging than it needs to be.
Questions to Consider
- When was the last time I paused to reflect on my journey and consider where I am heading?
- What things have I been carrying that no longer serve a purpose in my life? How can I let go of them?
- What new things or perspectives have I gained recently that I didn’t have before?
- How can I better equip myself for the next leg of my journey?