In chapter seven of his enigmatic work, the writer of Ecclesiastes advises, "Do not say, 'Why is it that the former days were better than these?  For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.'"  When life becomes difficult and full of seemingly insuperable challenges, we are often tempted to look back at other days, other times, and wonder whether we would not be happier living in them instead of the turmoil in which we find ourselves at the present moment.  Or when we attend a reunion, be it high school or college, see our old friends and acquaintances, and relive the halcyon days of our past, those days when responsibilities were few and fun was ever available and present, those days when the world seemed to be always smiling on us and our antics and frivolity, and we then reflect on where we are now and the many obstacles it presents t us, we may wonder why it must be this way, may wonder why we cannot continue to live in such unfettered bliss.  Sometimes the former days really do seem better than the present moment.
     And perhaps from one standpoint they are.  Being young can be very fun (but so can being old!)!  On the other hand, I think the writer is making an important point about God.  He is telling us that although God indeed exists eternally, he is a God not of the past, but a God of the present and, we can be grateful, the future.  While God uses our past in nummerable ways, he is more interested in building upon it to create a better present and, eventually, future for us.  Don't look back, he tells us, but look ahead.  Look ahead to what I still have for you, look ahead to the wonders I have yet to unfold in your life.  I have much more for you.  Remember your past, yes, for that is where you have come from, that is what has made you who you are today, but embrace the future, the future that I, the eternal God has for you.  Rejoice in what I am about to do!
     So does God speak through the prophet Isaiah that, "behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?"  Indeed:  open your heart to the newness of God.