Moving On

Somewhere in a stack of miscellaneous 45s around here (more likely on a CD compilation) is a rather corny country song about a guy who after being love torn and left alone, decides it's time to declare his independence: "I"m Movin' On."

In a culture that talks personal crises to death, this simple affirmation of what's what may be the best antiode to date.

I'm all for breaking down and unpacking the past, provided we don't pack the whole mess up again and head out the door with it later on, but think about it: here is one guy that decides enough is enough and things are going to change. Good for him, good for me. If he's moving on, then so am I.

Clarification: I'm not leaving my wife. She's been the best thing that ever came my way and she's an ever-present God moment that sustains me, keeps me focused, and lends more than just a little perspective to my world. Where I would be without her is up for grabs. Actually, I'd rather not speculate.

In my life, however, like most everyone else's, have been people. People I've been thankful for, that I've learned from, and some that I wish would have brought more constructive things to my existence. Although I usually look for the best in people, I don't always get it. Welcome to reality. What we want, what we get, are two different things.

I've had to learn to forgive myself, forgive others, and very simply refuse to be mired in what has come my way. I have had to make conscientious decisions to get with the future, deal with the past, and move ahead. The Apostle Paul had this very same vexing in the New Testament, but refused to remain stagnant. "I'm forgetting what's behind and pressing ahead. There are more important things to deal with," he said in essence.

I've made the decision to deal with past hurts, frustrations, upsets, and the people, myself included, that bring them about, and think ahead. I'm forgiving, forgetting; releasing those people and myself from the bondage they've created, and working some new ground.

It's time to grow.