I just celebrated my 55th birthday. Birthdays are a great time to look back and reassess. They are also a great time to look forward to the future. I had an opportunity to do just that over the last couple of days.
A couple of days before my birthday a few years ago, I stumbled (literally) across some pictures in my basement. Some of the pictures were taken more than thirty years ago. I even found a pic when I was pregnant with my now 37+ year old daughter, Kathie. I was 16 at the time. Oh so young and so not having the slightest clue! The batch also included pictures of my great-grandmother, my grandparents and my dad. My dear loved ones are all now in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.✝️
Looking back at old pictures of myself gave me reason to pause, stare and ponder. I wondered: How old was I? What was I dealing with back then? Where was my life headed? Did I have a clue? What dreams did I have for myself? For my family? Each picture was very revealing. They spoke a thousand words to me. As I stared at some of the pics, I remembered that I was thinking–“I don’t see how the future can hold anything different from the pain I feel right now. This is an endless pit.” aaah, But God…He is faithful. While I had a picture of my future, He knew the path that He laid out for me. He knew the years I had to carry out His will and the legacy I would leave behind to carry on that work. Psalm 139 reminds me of this amazing truth:
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your Book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when there were none of them yet. How precious also are Your thoughts to me O God! (Psalm 139: 13-17a, KJV, Italics Mine)
When I dare to look through the looking-glass, I am acutely aware that He has walked with me every step of the way. He created a picture for my life long before anyone could snap one. He knew who I would become. My future is not a mystery to Him. He knows how many years I have to do His will. I don’t want to waste any of them. He knew my ups and downs, my ins and outs. Placing my faith in the shed blood of Christ created a new picture. One of purpose and hope, promise and passion. Happy Birthday to me. He’s blessed me to see another one. Now, that’s a picture I always want in the forefront of my mind.
First Look:
Read Psalm 139 and reflect on it. Journal what God is saying to you about you.
Through The Looking Glass:
+ Did the pictures you had of your future turn out the way you hoped it would?
+Did your life (so far) turn out better than your dreams or has it been a huge disappointment? Why or why not?
+Is it possible to recognize that there are no accidents or coincidences in our lives? Nothing that’s happened in our lives will ever be wasted. Do you believe that?
The Looking Glass 
Thank you for a timely word of encouragement and challenge.
You’re welcome. I know you are in a place right now where you’re seeing dreams come to pass. Keep dreaming BIG!!
I also thank you Kathy for the timely encouragement. I need to remind myself OVER and OVER of HIs plan for me being the best for me.
Lynn, so do I. We’ll keep reminding each other!
I used my wedding anniversary as a time of reflection. I am not always certain that my dreams have all come true….but I am certain that God is working His plan for my life. Birthday wishes to you!
Cindy, I know He is. Keep dreaming BIG!!!!!!
Good evening Kat
This afternoon while we was upstairs in your office. I said, “I enjoy reading this month’s blog, about your birthdays and those pictures in your life. So then you ask me did I post a comment. So now I did. Yes they all do tell a story. But it is a blessing to me and all your other readers of blog, to read what the Lord Jesus Christ has put in your heart to express in writing. Thank you honey for letting me be a part of your story, during your birthday season. I know right now, you must be feeling much love again by the family members on today. And this question you ask, “Did the pictures you had of your future turn out the way you hoped it would?” For me I have memory moments, A year ago was future for me. And one of those pictures was the smile on your face while we were in California. I will never ever forget it.
luv ya
John
Thanks honey.
Hi Kathy, happy birthday–again!
I don’t often look back. But I also found some old pics the other day, and I thought my future would be much different. But it’s okay because I know God has a plan.!
Great blog.
Amen and His pln is better tha anyone we could ever come up with.
Great post!
Thanks so much!