I enjoy traveling. Well, let me back up. I enjoy getting to my destination, but I can’t say I really enjoy the travel part. This past summer I went on two trips with my family that required air travel. Overall the trips went smoothly, but they were not without their delays and headaches.

We had the privilege of getting to know a few airports more than I would have liked. Yes, we were stuck, waiting for flights, waiting on the tarmac, waiting for a rental car, and so on.

We have all been stuck at some point or another; stuck in line, stuck in traffic, or more seriously, stuck in a job, stuck in a relationship or stuck in the past.

The New Year is always portrayed as a time of new beginnings, but what about those of us that feel stuck?

I will admit that I have had a hard time getting motivated about 2008. I feel caught, maybe even a little trapped, in my current life situation. Last year my family and I were planning a trip out of the country; planning a stateside trip for a wedding/family reunion; we were toying with listing our home and moving; and then we were in the midst of remodeling our home. This year is just not as exciting. The remodeling is done, the trips have been taken, and I’m feeling stuck.

Instead of just enjoying this season of rest, I’m rest-less and ready for the next big decision and project. I’m reflecting on 2007 too much instead of looking forward to the future, or more importantly, just living in the present moment.

I love the Apostle Paul’s teachings. He has a way of speaking the truth in love. Sometimes his words come across harsh, but I believe that he is so passionate about what he is saying and says it with conviction. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul writes,

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on…”

I recently read an interpretation of this scripture by Christian author and speaker, Germaine Copeland. She writes, “I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: regardless of my past I look forward to what lies ahead.”

I love that interpretation. I don’t believe we are called to forget our past, but regardless of it, we are given the freedom and the ability to move forward in Christ. We serve a God that wants us to experience freedom. And isn’t freedom the opposite of stuck?

“…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Maybe you are not completely stuck, but I believe we all have areas in our life where we feel stuck to some degree. Thankfully we serve a God much bigger than our past, and through His word, guidance and faithfulness, He will teach us how to move forward.

So, next time you hear these words, and I hope you don’t, “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, we are about 8^th in line for take off, so it will be a while.” Don’t think of it as being stuck. Sit back, relax (as the captain will also say) and enjoy these precious moments you have been given.

“Finally, (sisters), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 3:8 – 9

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[i] Prayers that Avail Much for Women, Germaine Copeland, 2002