Living on Purpose can sometimes be as simple as the difference between ‘if only’ and ‘what if’.
Ask yourself: “Do I spend more time looking back at things that have happened, or looking forward to what might happen next?” The first approach can lead to regret, disappointment and bitterness. The second approach can lead to hope, optimism and joyous anticipation. Think of how difficult and dangerous it would be to drive a car while only looking in the rear view mirror.
To be sure, we all want to learn from our mistakes. But dwelling on our mistakes, even obsessing over them, can destroy the joy in our lives. The negative emotions can overwhelm us when we fix our minds on the past: “If only I had done this or that…” or “If only I could have avoided this or that…” Life doesn’t have an ‘undo’ button.
Setting our sights on the future allows us to experience life on purpose. “What if we decided to do this or that…?” or “What if we changed our plans so that we were able to do this or that…?” Those are the forward thinking questions that can raise our hopes and establish positive goals for our lives.
Elijah had figured this out by the age of nineteen. He wrote these words in hopes of inspiring as many people as would listen: “Follow your dreams and passions and don’t sit around living someone else’s life” (Elijah 2014).
I’m reminded of a very important verse from the Bible that seemed to define Elijah. He didn’t like to dwell on the past. He didn’t care if he lost a game against someone, but always wanted just one more chance to try to win. His goal was always to win the next match. Congratulations, Elijah. You won the ultimate prize.
“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14).
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-Ken Buchanan
