It's Okay to Look Back

Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t look back, you’ll miss what’s in front of you”? 

Well, I don’t completely agree with this statement. 

Let me explain…

After losing my sight, my life changed drastically. 

I left a lot behind as I struggled to move forward with my new circumstances, and it felt as though a lot had left me behind as well. 

For a long time, I followed the advice to not look back, mostly because it was so hard to do so. 

Thinking about the simplicities that came with sighted life was difficult, and as time progressed, I found it painful to remember the early days of my blindness and all of the trials that I endured.

However, on a recent trip to Berry College, where my story both ended and began, my perspective on “looking back” began to change.

A blonde woman standing in an open, green pasture facing sunshine and a view of vast land.

As I traveled along the well-worn sidewalks that I ventured down so many times before, memories began to flood back to me. 

I recollected all of the moments spent laughing with my friends on the way to class, smiling as I dodged the many deer that wander aimlessly around the campus, and exploring the trails on sunny afternoons.  

I also began to recall the grueling hours spent learning how to navigate it all with my white cane and fighting back tears as I wondered if I would ever be able to find my way around without my sight. 

The frustration that I felt as I struggled to keep up with my coursework and the feelings of loneliness and isolation that I encountered during those days began to make a return as well.

The stroll down memory lane was hard, emotional, and sad at times. But then I began to compare where I was then to where I am now, physically, emotionally, and, most importantly, spiritually.

In the book of Deuteronomy, we can read about a group of people who were instructed not to forget the trials of their past. 

God, by way of Moses, was leading the Israelites out of Egypt and towards the beautiful, abundant land which He had promised them.

“But it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”

(Deuteronomy 7:8, ESV)

In Egypt, the Israelites faced oppression and suffering. Even though they were now free, they were still bound to face hardships… Such as the strong and powerful nations and enemies that they would encounter as they journeyed through the wilderness for 40 long years. 

It would have been easy for the Israelites to forget these trials in light of all that laid ahead, but they were commanded to remember.

“You shall not be afraid of them but you shall remember what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt, the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, the wonders, the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm, by which the Lord your God brought you out. So will the Lord your God do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid.”

(Deuteronomy 7:18-19, ESV)

Notice that Moses did not tell the Israelites to look back on their trials with pain, regret, or sorrow. 

Rather, he instructed them to reminisce on God’s wondrous and mighty actions through those hard times. 

Thinking about how God has shown up for us in the past, the Israelites were taught, can remind us of God’s faithfulness and hope, especially as we face future trials. 

This is a lesson all of us can learn from as well.

“You shall not be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.”

(Deuteronomy 7:21, ESV)

The Bible open on a table in the middle of a field. The field is blurred out but sunshine is shining through.

We are often told not to look back, but to keep our eyes fixed forward so that our feet will follow. It is a common belief that reminiscing on the past can keep us from making advancements towards a brighter, more promising future.

While I agree that fixating and dwelling on the past isn’t helpful or healthy, the story of the Israelites in Deuteronomy shows us that remembering what we have left behind can make us more appreciative of where we are now. 

More specifically, where God has gotten us, how He has worked miracles through our past hardships, and where He is leading us. 

Furthermore, it can give us the courage, hope, and strength to face a future that may seem uncertain, because we know that God has been and will always be faithful.

Just like the Israelites, God has brought me so far as well.

Thankfulness began to overwhelm my feelings of nostalgia that day as I strolled through campus. 

Thankfulness for His faithfulness, grace, and strength. 

Thankfulness for changing my heart, helping me turn to Him, and bringing me out of those dark places to a brighter, more promising present and future.

Text that says, "This blog is sponsored by:

David Pollard at Raymond James Partners Financial Group, which specializes in helping families and businesses manage their investments so that they can spend their time where it matters most. 

Tillman Eye Center, which serves Carrollton, GA with a wide range of optometry services in a professional and comfortable environment with staff who care. 

Plaza Home Care, a medical supply and equipment company located in downtown Villa Rica, where they are big enough to serve you and small enough to care about you. Plaza Home Care is committed to providing you and your family with quality medical equipment, such as CPAP compression hoses, walkers, lift chairs, and more. The staff are sure to earn your trust as they listen to your needs, follow through on their word, and provide uncompromising levels of customer care.