When we think about our pasts, most of can think of at least one thing we regret. Some of us can think of many. The thing about the past is that it’s unchangeable. In Philippians 3:13b-14 the writer Paul reminds us that we are to do this one thing: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” When my roses first start to bloom they go through the bud phase. They are in the beginning stages of growth and moving toward maturity and if I wait and nurture them, I will be rewarded with a beautiful flower to gaze upon. Waiting on God to take our old selves and make something new of us is not always easy, but if we will be faithful to leave behind the old and embrace the new path he has us on, we will not be disappointed in where the road leads us.