Every day miracles have been on my mind a great deal during this past week. I have tried to observe the miracles and number them. I found that to be a formidable task. Instead I decided to look at what focusing on those miracles brings to my life. I found my faith increased and my understanding of our loving Father deepened! Hallelujah! Backward mapping is a strategy for improving outcomes.

One of the underlining foundational truths in my life is represented in the African proverb Sankofa. Sankofa means, “Remember where you came from so that you know where you are going.”

Over the past week I intently reminisced about the situations I handled well. I also replayed those that showed me I am very much still a work in progress. The things I repented about, those that I tried to push past and see the other person as at fault; those came to mind too.

God’s love was the common denominator amongst it all. His unwavering love was there. He was there at the beginning of the feelings that became the ugly words that I said. He was there when my actions lacked empathy. He was there when I sought His input first and yielded to His divine prompting. He was there when I fell down, with an outstretched hand to help me up.

In my reflections I found that my faith was increased. He had known my heart, my needs, my desires, before I was able to make the appropriate connections to the outcomes, He was there, and still remains. He has seen me through the unspeakable choices I have made and the consequences brought on by the actions of others that have impacted me. He has been with me through it all.

Over the past week I have taken more time to answer the question, what does it benefit us to look back?  The answer came resoundingly, to see what is before us more clearly. When we are able to look behind us and see the victories, especially in places where we had absolutely no clue what would take place next, we recognize it was not by accident.

As we review the miracles in our lives. It is to be an experience that causes us to give more glory and honor to God. When we truly see Him in our own lives, moment to moment, we rightfully see Him as the great I AM! The one that has revealed Himself to be our Creator, Provider, Strength, and so very much more!

Backward Mapping

God, the best special needs teacher, has provided each of us with the tools that we need to live an abundant life. He employs numerous methods to reveal His path toward good success! We are directed to seek Him and His ways of being and doing right, which reaps benefits.

Backward mapping is a term that means to begin with the end in mind. When learning outcomes are developed in the beginning then the objectives for the lessons directly feed into those desired out comes.

God has given us pieces of the puzzle that will create success for each of us when we connect those pieces to form the big picture. Regardless of what it looks like in the moment. Regardless of the facts of our fleshly reality, God’s truth supersedes ALL else!

As our masterful Creator has established the curriculum for our journey it includes providing us with examples which validate His truth. He is unable to lie. He is the essence of truth. As He equipped each of us for success with various gifts in His image. Because of His grace we are able to engage those gifts. As we walkout our lives He gives us the lessons we need to reach His desired outcome.

As we each finish the course of study approved by our Creator, our eyes are to be on His objectives, His plan. Indeed we are to finish the course by reaching the objectives in His syllabus. The Apostle Paul, upon nearing the end of his life wrote, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” (2 Timothy 4:7, KJV) Part of keeping the faith is practicing that which increases faith.

Responsible Learner

Responsible learners recognize that their role in learning. Learning is not a spectator sport, neither is learning.

No matter what age you are with each breath you come closer to the end of your life here. Similar to the brand new vehicle that leaves the dealership, once the tires touch the pavement the value begins to diminish. Unlike that vehicle our value appreciates as we get to know our loving Father and ourselves (in Him) better. The more we follow His plan for our lives.

Take Inventory and Take Action!

How are you doing in the course? What objectives are you working on? Can you see the end from where you are now? Do you think it is all coming together for your good? Do you think God knows what you need to finish the course with an evaluation of “well done”?

So as you have opportunity to reflect on His goodness and mercy in your life my prayer is that you will build on the unmerited favor He has bestowed upon you. I pray that we will all love Him more, seek Him more and be a light that others can see too.

Keep counting the miracles, keeping the faith and finish the course looking back, just enough to propel you further in the course He has so lovingly laid out for you! As I endeavor to do the same. Sankofa and backward mapping, indeed.

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”