What If “Last” Wasn’t Such a Bad Thing?
There can be good things about the last of something. Last mortgage payment. Last time you make that particular mistake. Last day at a hated job.
But for me, last usually denotes a finality I’m not excited about.
The last day of a loved ones earthly life. My child’s last day home before college or a move. My last baby. The last ice cream sundae. You know, the last of the important things. The things you’ve cherished.
But what if “last” wasn’t such a bad thing? What if “last” was really just the “first” of something much better?
What if 'last' wasn't such a bad thing? What if 'last' was really just the 'first' of something much better? Click To Tweet
Instead of my son’s last day home, it’s his first day of a new chapter, the first day of a new adventure.
Instead of the last day I’ll see that loved one, death might usher in their first day without suffer (and certainly will result in a better place for believers).
Instead of my last baby, it’s my first chance to pursue other opportunities, to reach beyond the demanding needs of a young family and touch someone else’s life.
Instead of the last ice cream sundae, it’s the first step in eating healthier.
God’s Lens of Grace
Although there have been many difficult “lasts” in my life this past year, I’m learning they are never as bad as they seem.
I just need to look at them through a different lens. Thank you, Lord, for encouraging me to look through your’s.
Peering through God’s lens of grace turns a difficult last into an amazing first.
Peering through God's lens of grace turns a difficult last into an amazing first. Click To Tweet
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).
Reflections: Are you going through a challenging “last”? Have you tried looking at the situation with a different perspective—perhaps God’s?
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By His Grace,
Julie
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Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.
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Whether you think of it as a “first” or a “last” is all about the perspective, isn’t it!
It is! And we need to learn to realign our perspective to be more in line with God’s.
Really enjoyed this. Learning to embrace my new first opportunities this past year of “last” have brought me, too.
Good for you, Nancy! It is not easy, but so much better than wallowing in the past!
I especially like the thought of the “last” time of making a particular mistake. I’ve heard that wisdom is the unearned interest accumulated on a lifetime of mistakes. Thankful for grace in all of it. 🙂 Blessings on your weekend, dear friend!
Me too, Julie! I like that thought. Blessings to you as well.
Great message Julie! Of course, there’s always room for a little ice cream on a summer day :).
Goes without saying, Brent!
Thanks, Julie! I need to learn to view “lasts” as firsts as well and look forward to the adventure ahead!
I’m still learning, Holly. Glad to have you on board.
Our only child, a son, moved 600 miles west of where we live. I had to think that HE HAD A JOB. He’s been there for a bit over 2 1/2 years. He has progressed in his job better than he could have had he stayed in our area. God was in that move.
Oh that must have been so hard, Cecelia!