Throwback Thursday, 80’s party, and more suggest we look back with fond memories or for those not born during that time, perhaps more of nostalgia of what the “good ol’ days” were like. It’s funny to me how often we do like to look back at the past to see how good things were, many people of my age and older, look back because we miss the simple life. The truth is, we love technology, but only when it works… or at least when there’s WIFI. In a conversation I had with my mum this past week, I told her that I had very few memories of my childhood, but when someone mentions the odd thing here or there it would trigger memories. My mum explained that she knew my childhood wasn’t easy, there was arguing going on frequently, my dad would be gone often, school and church life was even hard. I am not here for a pity party, but I have thought about this a little since the conversation. Last week, this community lost the life of a student, Ravenne Dodge. She was a friend to many in the community including some of our Youth Group. After incidents like this one, it becomes common to hear the phrase, “you never know what someone is really going through” or something similar. As Christ-followers, even when life gets us down or when we become older the mind has blessed you by allowing you to forget the dark times in your life as a coping mechanism, we stand up to the darkness, the fear, and doubt; we stand up and as Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippian Church, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul is writing about the confidence he could have in the flesh; even in the complete opposite end of the spectrum that we’ve been talking about, Paul says that what has been doesn’t matter, what we’re facing now WILL PASS. What is important is to keep pressing on toward the goal, the prize of being called heavenward. Christ never promises when you put Him on in baptism, life will get easier. He never said you will become untouchable by the Devil. Jesus does promise, however, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Mt. 11:28- 30). Let’s turn to Jesus and press on heavenward. Jesus has given us the church to give us strength and support. Let’s never lose that thought. Peter Hunt