When the Way Forward Begins with Stepping Back (08/30/2024)

Yesterday, as I was trying to help my husband fill out some forms, I ran into a few problems. And so, I did what I often do when I encounter problems, I stepped back rather than pushing forward, realizing there were issues that needed to be addressed. Life is like that, don’t you know. Sometimes the path forward begins with stepping back.

One of the most well-known parables reminds us of that, the parable of the prodigal son. When the younger son realizes his mistakes, he returns to the home of the Father and eventually begs pardon and mercy from the Father. He could have tried to just move on from his misery by going forward to a totally new place, but he wisely chose to step back into the loving relationship he’d abandoned. And that step was rewarded greatly.

I also am reminded of the leper who Christ healed and upon him realizing Christ’s miracle, returned to give thanks to Jesus. Sometimes, the way forward as a changed person begins with gratitude to the one who helped us change, who gave us what we needed in the moment. Gratitude is never a false step.

Last evening, as I reflected on my day and realized that the only true way forward began with taking steps back, I applied it to my life in general. I thought of those who had helped me along the way that I should return to in gratitude. And I also thought of the changes I need to make and those whom my less than right behavior impacted. And I realized I need to step back and be honest with those individuals as well. And finally, I thought of the hurt that I carry because of what others have done, and I recognized that I need to step back and forgive because I may only ask for the measure of mercy that I myself extend to others.

The road forward isn’t always a straight line. Think of chess. All but the pawns can move backward. Some of the greatest moves begin by going back. In the LORD’s wisdom, our lives in Christ may involve moving forward beginning with stepping back: stepping back to give thanks; stepping back to seek forgiveness; stepping back to forgive another.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.