"Always forward, never turn back." St. Junipero Serra

This is a simple axiom for the spiritual life. To look forward is to keep our eyes on our inheritance, namely union with God. To turn back is to look or yearn for what is not of God. Recall what happened to Lot's wife. The angel of the Lord was leading the family away from the destruction of the wicked city.  When she looked back, she froze in time. Looking forward doesn't make our journey easy nor smooth. It involves ups and downs, but it is a slow progress forward. To look back is a sign of a longing for the past. This was the sin of Israel during the Exodus. God was leading them to the Promise Land. They didn't trust God. They yearned for the fleshpots of Egypt, where they were slaves. As a result, many did not enter the Promised Land.  As hard as the journey forward is, followed the lead of the Lord, let go the yearnings for the fleshpot of sin. Be assured of reaching the Promised Land.