Memories shouldn’t hurt us.  They should warm us, causing us to see our blessings, to be grateful.  A photograph stuck in a book or drawer can make us smile at the how little ones have grown, at the progress of life, or the accomplishments we have made.

For those of us who have experienced heartache, however, such mementos can have a very different effect.  They can be painful.  Reminiscing can cause us a sense of sadness.

Sometimes, things just don’t turn out the way they are supposed to.

Seeing reminders of someone who was in our life grieves us when that person choses a different path while leaving us behind.  Through separation, or even death,  when someone we love leaves, there is mourning regardless of how much time has passed.

The journey of our lives is often traveled on broken roads.  

For me, coming to terms with these imperfect places on my path, is knowing that God is with me. He doesn’t cause the pot holes, the hurt, the breakdowns along the way.  He’s never pleased when others come and deliberately impede our momentum, causing us harm or discouragement.  He carries us through it. 

At times, I can get stuck on the side of the road, longing to make a u-turn.  I yearn to have again what used to be rather than what God has ahead for me. 

God is always in what is coming, not in what is behind. 

He wants to bring us to new blessings, to show us new things, to give us new relationships and experiences that will grow us, enrich us, cause us to be in awe of all that He has for us.

It’s not easy.  Sometimes, we get into ruts in our thinking.  We listen to the voice of the enemy that wants to convince us that our best times, our best life, is the one we used to know. 

This is simply not the case.

God has more for us than we can possibly imagine.  He promises that the plans He has are to prosper us, to protect us.  He wants us to be fueled by faith that He knows what He is doing.  He wants nothing more than to fulfill our deepest longings, to mend our broken hearts.  He wants for us to stop looking in the rearview mirror, but ahead.

Our heavenly Father makes a way for us when there seems to be no way.  Watch carefully for signs where He is at work in your life.  Be grateful for what was and expectant for what is to come.

Our destination is good.  There is joy there; there is faithfulness; there is unconditional love.  There is healing and restoration.

Be not afraid of the broken road.  It has taught us many things.  It will always lead us to a better place when we let God do the driving.

The best truly is ahead, not behind.  

Keep your eyes on Him.