As I sit at the desk in my office, I am reminded about the past. I see a plaque that Misty gave me not too long after we were married. I see a picture of Misty and me holding Davidson when he was less than a year old. I see my diplomas from Lipscomb and Harding which remind me of the path I thought I was going to travel (accounting) and the path that I am walking (ministry). I see a picture of high school friends whose friendship I still treasure. I see my dad’s prized John Denver picture that hung in his bonus room. After he passed, I have kept it in my office to remind me of him. One of his paintings also hangs in my office. I see various photos and books I have read and enjoyed and souvenirs from trips I have made. I see the past before me.

As I sit at the desk in my office, I see glimpses of the future. I see books that I look forward to reading that will strengthen my skills in ministry and preaching. I see a note related to the upcoming City of Children trip and I anticipate next year’s mission trip. I see notes from our leadership meeting we had in Gatlinburg and the items that point to exciting opportunities in the future. I see pictures of Davidson and I realize how much he has grown and matured, and I look forward to seeing the young man that he will become. I see pictures of Misty and me and reflect upon twenty-five years of marriage as I look forward to many more years with her. I see various books detailing the lives of presidents and other figures from history and it reminds me of the past but also lets me wonder about the future and the history I will see unfold in the next few years. I see a crown of thorns which reminds me of God’s love for me and Christ’s sacrifice on my behalf. The thorns remind me that my sins have been forgiven and an eternity with my Father and His church awaits.

As I sit at the desk in my office, I see mementos of the past and glimpses of the future. I’m reminded that God has been with me every step of the way. He has loved me, guided me, protected me and blessed me beyond anything that I remotely deserve. My past isn’t perfect, but it is blessed, and I am thankful for God’s love, care and providence. I’m also aware that God will be with me throughout my future. He will continue to love me, guide me, protect me and bless me. I don’t deserve any of it, but because He has called me His child, I will enjoy His blessings. He will be with me every step of the way and He will welcome me into eternity to be with Him and those I love forever.

You have a past, and you have a future. God has been in your story from the start. As you look at your past, you will see Him there with you. As you look ahead in your future, I hope you see God with you. I hope you see Him continuing to write your story and loving you every step of the way. We all have a past and future. Thank God for where He has led us and thank Him for being with us all the way into eternity.