Looking Back and Moving Forward

Monday, November 3, 2025

Happy Monday, my friends! I spent a few hours on Saturday reading some of the past Monday Moments as I continue working on a project of turning over 200 reflections into a book. As I read through pieces I wrote several years ago, I recognize which ideas have changed and even how my writing style has grown and developed. There are clear contenders for inclusion in the book and others which aren’t bad, but perhaps not up to the level of republishing (this one is probably going to be in the latter category).

I enjoy the process of looking through old materials and items. Memories can help us trace where we’ve been and help us provide context for where we’re going. Every day we seem to learn something new which makes us worry and wonder how we can respond. Sometimes the only thing to do and the only way we can respond is to keep moving forward.

How do you move forward when the world seems so hostile? What helps you see and create the path forward?

Let us pray: Gracious God, sometimes we have to look back so that we can create the context for moving forward. Help us continue walking the paths you have laid out for us which might not always be easy, but which always beckon us on to whatever comes next. We ask this through our savior and liberator, Jesus, who experienced the struggle and joy of moving forward. Amen.

Blessings on your weeks, my friends! Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Faithfully,

Ben +