We often hear two seemingly contradictory calls in our quest for a meaningful life: “Learn from your past!” and “Live in the present moment!” It’s easy to feel caught in a tension between looking backward and looking forward, between reflection and pure presence. But what if these weren’t opposing forces, but rather two indispensable currents flowing together to create a richer, deeper experience of life?

If we dwell too much on the past, we may ruminate. If we only stay in the present without considering the wisdom of the past or its consequences for our future, we may feel fatalistic or only select what feels good in the moment.

As I watch my adult children, I realize that I can’t put my life experiences inside of them. They are on their own journey to learn their wisdom about parenting, marriage, and life. I can see a younger version of myself in them while also hearing the voice of my parents teaching me.

A tree’s roots symbolize our wisdom and past experiences; the trunk serves as the conduit to the branches and leaves, which are ever-changing in response to the current season. We prune, seasons come and go, but without the roots or the trunk, we would never see the fruit.

How beautiful life is when we can live in the present moment, such as it is, knowing God is with us.

This natural metaphor resonates with profound power in ancient wisdom. The Bible, for instance, doesn’t advocate for historical amnesia, but rather a purposeful engagement with time.

• The Apostle Paul urges us in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal.” This isn’t about ignoring the past, but about releasing the heavy burdens of regret or idealized nostalgia that prevent us from taking action in the present. It’s a call to actively press on—a commitment to the journey of the present moment.
• Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that God’s compassion “is new every morning.” Each day offers a fresh start, a powerful invitation to lay down yesterday’s burdens and step into the present moment with renewed hope and mercy.
• And for guiding our present thoughts, Philippians 4:8 instructs us: “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.” This is profound mindful living, intentionally directing our mental energy to elevate our present experience.

These verses beautifully illustrate that true wisdom involves extracting lessons from the past, releasing what no longer serves, and consciously directing our focus to the goodness and opportunities of the present.

Finding Your Balance

• Reflect with Purpose: Dedicate time to intentionally look back, not to ruminate, but to extract the gold—the lessons, the growth, the gratitude. Ask: What have I learned? What patterns emerge? What values have been forged?
• Engage with Presence: Once the wisdom is gleaned, consciously bring yourself back to the now. Practice mindfulness in daily tasks, truly listen, and savor simple moments. This is where life is actually lived, created, and experienced.
• Let Wisdom Inform Presence: Use the insights from your past to make wiser choices in the present. If reflection taught you patience, apply it now. If it showed you the importance of connection, seek it now.

May your roots run deep, your leaves reach for the sun, and your branches reach for the future, knowing God is ever present.

This morning, as I scrolled through my pictures, I realized how truly blessed we are with family, friendships, experiences, and love. Each photo tells a story that goes beyond the smile and the event we are capturing. They evoke memories of moods, words spoken, and joy, all coexisting in that moment. It reminds me that we can appreciate all of this while knowing, deep down, that it is well with my soul.

Young mothers and fathers who are working hard and playing hard, trying to create memories with their children, remember that part of the journey is your wisdom and modeling, even when they are too young to understand the sacrifices and the great love you have for them. It will come in time, and you will see them doing what you are doing for their children while you come alongside them as grandparents. Learn from the past and create stronger roots, and live in this moment with the branches and leaves that have been established for this season.

I was thinking of a tree song to share. On my dear friend Kim’s birthday, we exchanged text messages about the song “Grow Old Along with Me.” She walked down the aisle with her husband to this song. I mentioned that it became “our song” during our marriage, about 20 years in, when we were facing struggles. At a younger age, I was pregnant, raising children, working, and trying to celebrate our anniversaries, and this song became our go-to.

This morning, Parish and I played it together, reflecting on our past, looking forward to the future, and being present in the moment. As I paused to write, we cried in each other’s arms, singing along with the artist, “God bless our love…” Oh, how God has blessed us beyond measure, and oh, how our roots have grown. World without end, my love; we will live in eternity together with the One who loves us perfectly.

Embrace the present moment; it shapes your future, and it all matters. The years will weave together like threads in a tapestry, where every color is significant, even those you may question.

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