Onward Ever Upward

Never failed that at the end of every email from the dean of my law school ended with that salutation. Every time I hear a variation of it, I think of Dean Huffman and smile. Its comes from a Hymn (which is so telling of both the Dean and this phrase). But I realized that this phrase, or whatever you want to call it has so much meaning.

Onward. Meaning, don't get stuck in place. This is hard for me. I like routine, I like monotony and knowing what will come each day. I also dwell. I look fondly at the past and think what if, or back when... I often found myself saying this year " I want my life back." What life? What is this grand, imaginary life that I dreamt up in my head? Were things awful, well sometimes, but were they wonderful? was I head over heels cannot live any other way? No. So WTF am I wanting back?

I mean even The Bible tells us to look forward, eyes above.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Isaiah 43:18

Onward. Its my mantra this year. Look forward, not backwards. Focus on what is to be and not could have been.

Ever Upward. Strive. Set goals. Persevere. Don's stop believing. Yes I get that sometimes our society focuses too much on achievement and success, but its not a bad thing to always keep looking to better ourselves. This does not have to mean a big promotion, more money, or setting our eyes on the prize so to speak, but setting our eyes on doing better and being better at being "us."  This comes in the form or self-improvement, whether its weight or health goals, improving our spiritual well-being, deepening our relationships with others and the Lord, and truly living life to the fullest.

Ever Upward. Its where my heart, ears, eyes and soul are reaching this year.

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴ Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    he will keep your life.
⁸ The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore.

 

ONWARD. EVER UPWARD!