“Forgetting the Things Behind and Stretching Forward to the Things Ahead,” - A Sage Page Stretch

Forgetting the Things Behind and Stretching Forward to the Things Ahead
Releasing what no longer serves and leaning into the new mercies of the season

“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and stretching forward to what lies ahead, I press on…”– Philippians 3:13b–14

There’s a sacred kind of strength in releasing what we’ve outgrown.
A hush in the moment before the stretch.
A holy rhythm hidden in the soil before the bloom.

This season, I find myself lingering in that quiet space—the pause before the forward press. And maybe you’ve felt it too. That nudge to release, to stop clinging to what once was… and to stretch, gently and bravely, into what is becoming.

The Sacred Pause Before the Stretch

Creation shows us this rhythm without apology. The trees do not mourn their leaves—they release them. The soil does not resist its winter stillness—it rests, knowing that rest prepares the way for renewal. Even in music, the rest is not absence but intention. It gives shape to the notes that follow.

Before we move forward, we pause. We breathe. We recalibrate.

This isn’t wasted time—it’s preparation.
Stretching begins with stillness.

Letting Go Doesn’t Mean Forgetting Your Roots

There’s a difference between forgetting and releasing.

Forgetting the things behind doesn’t mean erasing them. It means loosening our grip. It means no longer allowing the past to dictate the pace or posture of our present. We can honor what shaped us without letting it shackle us.

Our stories matter. But we’re not called to live in chapters already written. We are co-creators with a God who delights in new mercies. And sometimes, the kindest thing we can do for ourselves is to close the page and turn toward the light ahead.

Stretching Forward as an Act of Trust

Stretching requires surrender. Like new growth pressing through hard earth, there’s risk in the reach. But there’s also promise.

Every time you choose nourishment over numbing, rhythm over rush, gratitude over grasping—you stretch forward.

Every time you care for your body, your home, your people, and the creation around you—you lean toward what is life-giving.

That’s stewardship. That’s the gospel in motion.

You don’t have to see the full harvest to plant the seed.
Stretching forward is faith made visible.

A Sage Soul Stretch for the Season

As you prayerfully reflect on what needs to be released and what you’re reaching toward, here’s a gentle invitation to carry this into your body, breath, and spirit:

Sage Soul Stretch – Spring Edition

Theme: Forgetting the things behind, and stretching forward to the things ahead.

Soul Prompt:

   • What burden or belief are you being invited to leave behind?
   • What new growth is waiting for your “yes” this season?

Body Cue:

   • Stand tall (or sit comfortably) and open your arms wide.
   • Inhale deeply—breathe in grace.
   • As you exhale, stretch gently forward.
   • Whisper a blessing over the road ahead.

Let this be a sacred pause… a stretch of the soul as much as the limbs.

Closing Blessing

May you let go of what was never meant to carry you forward.
May your hands be open, your breath be steady, and your roots be deep.
May the stretch feel sacred—even when it’s slow.
And may you trust that what’s ahead is worth reaching for.