Making the most of what's left of the race

I have a terrifying thought for many of you this morning. School is scheduled to begin in less than six weeks. A feeling of panic struck when I saw the first row of back-to-school supplies being stocked at the store. It's happening again. Pencils, crayons, backpacks, all the great stuff of school, but do they have to be there the first of July?

A verse I like to refer to whenever I get the sense that I am missing an opportunity or when my life has seemed to move from actively competing in the race to watching it from the stands is Philippians 3:13-14. "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

These words impart a tremendous depth of spiritual truth. One aspect understands that the Lord is not bound by the past, as we tend to be. He desires to reshape us for his future. While the past shapes who we are, it does not determine who we will become. The Lord's grace breaks us free from the domineering and often crushing influence of the past. Grace rescues us, reshapes us and retools us for the future that God has already written. The depth of freedom and renewal not only changes our personality and outlook, it reorients our priorities.

So for all of you (including me) who may have the sense that you've missed some of the first part of summer and you do not want to see the remaining weeks slip away let me offer you two ways to way to soak up the rest of summer.

Spend a few minutes of each morning thanking the Lord for all he has done and all that he will be doing. Read from his word to discover who he is and who he is changing you to be. The trick to not allowing the past to become dominating soundtrack of your life is spending time with the one who has written the future.

The Lord's desire is to set you free from your past and reorient you toward his dynamic future. Spend time with him. Learn from him. Let him whisper in your ear.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father, minister and writer. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.