--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Glance backward, look heavenward, reach…" description: "\"Glance backward, look heavenward, reach outward, press onward\" — Thomas S. Monson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/thomas-s-monson-409_glances_glance-backward-look-heavenward-reach-ou_2853918.png" --- # Glance backward, look heavenward, reach outward, press… ![“Glance backward, look heavenward, reach outward, press onward” quote by Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/thomas-s-monson-409_glances_glance-backward-look-heavenward-reach-ou_2853918.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/thomas-s-monson-409_glances_glance-backward-look-heavenward-reach-ou_2853918.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ba5/thomas-s-monson-409_glances_glance-backward-look-heavenward-reach-ou_2853918.png) > “Glance backward, look heavenward, reach outward, press onward” [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Progress requires reflecting on the past, seeking spiritual guidance, reaching out to others, and persisting forward with determination. **In simple terms:** Look back, pray, help, keep moving. Key Takeaway Balance reflection, faith, service, and perseverance. Themes spiritual growth service determination Mood inspirational reflective Type motivational spiritual When to use this quote - personal development - community work - overcoming setbacks Key Concepts faith goal setting resilience Questions to Reflect On - What past lessons inform your present? - How do you stay motivated when forward feels hard? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on outward effort can neglect inner healing. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [Defeat is simply a signal to press onward.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-keller/defeat-is-simply-a-signal-to-press-onward/) [Helen Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-keller/) > [Gaze Upward, Look Inward, Reach Outward, Press Forward.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/gaze-upward-look-inward-reach-outward-press-forward/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [The problems of our day loom ominously before us. Surrounded by the sophistication of modern living, we look heavenward for that unfailing sense of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/the-problems-of-our-day-loom-ominously-before-us-surrounded-by-the-2/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [The problems of our day loom ominously before us... Surrounded by the sophistication of modern living, we look heavenward for that unfailing sense of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/the-problems-of-our-day-loom-ominously-before-us-surrounded-by-the/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [“Press Onward! We all make mistakes. It's time we stop dwelling on them and move forward. Ask for forgiveness from others, forgive yourself and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-versey/press-onward-we-all-make-mistakes-it-s-time-we-stop-dwelling-on-them/) [Jason Versey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-versey/) > [“Remember that today when you try to extend your reach outward—that it’s much better and more appropriately directed inward.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ryan-holiday/remember-that-today-when-you-try-to-extend-your-reach-outward-that-it/) [Ryan Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ryan-holiday/) > [Look heavenward and speak the word aloud. Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud. Peace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/look-heavenward-and-speak-the-word-aloud-peace-we-look-at-our-world/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [“We cannot take a single step towards heaven. It is not In our power to travel in a vertical direction. If however we look…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simone-weil/we-cannot-take-a-single-step-towards-heaven-it-is-not-in-our-power-to/) [Simone Weil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simone-weil/) > [“Always look heavenward in any situation. Trust God to grant you the needed grace and strength to overcome the situation.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/always-look-heavenward-in-any-situation-trust-god-to-grant-you-the/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [We cannot take a single step toward heaven. It is not in our power to travel in a vertical direction. 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Always onward. I blow her a kiss across the linoleum, & whisper blessings under my breath, divide a piece of God from my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-acevedo/onward-always-onward-i-blow-her-a-kiss-across-the-linoleum-whisper/) Elizabeth Acevedo > [“That’s when you realize the most of it—life, the relentless mechanism of existing—isn’t about you. It doesn’t include you at all. It will thrust…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lauren-oliver/that-s-when-you-realize-the-most-of-it-life-the-relentless-mechanism/) [Lauren Oliver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lauren-oliver/) ## More by Thomas S. Monson > [I know that God loves us. He allows us to exercise our moral agency even when we misuse it. He permits us to make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/i-know-that-god-loves-us-he-allows-us-to-exercise-our-moral-agency/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [“Some find it difficult to withstand the mocking and unsavory remarks of foolish ones who ridicule chastity, honesty, and obedience to God’s commands. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/some-find-it-difficult-to-withstand-the-mocking-and-unsavory-remarks/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [Choose your love, Love your choice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/choose-your-love-love-your-choice/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [I ask you to make INSTITUTE a PRIORITY.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/i-ask-you-to-make-institute-a-priority/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [Those who grieve frequently find themselves alone. Missed is the laughter of children, the commotion of teenagers, and the tender, loving concern of a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/those-who-grieve-frequently-find-themselves-alone-missed-is-the/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [I hope with all my heart and soul that every young man who receives the priesthood will honor that priesthood and be true to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/i-hope-with-all-my-heart-and-soul-that-every-young-man-who-receives/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [“Forgiveness should go hand in hand with love. In our families, as well as with our friends, there can be hurt feelings and disagreements.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/forgiveness-should-go-hand-in-hand-with-love-in-our-families-as-well/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [“Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/born-in-a-stable-cradled-in-a-manger-he-came-forth-from-heaven-to/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [“A happy home is but and earlier Heaven.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/a-happy-home-is-but-and-earlier-heaven/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sends forth to you an earnest appeal. Open your doors to the missionaries. Open your minds…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-sends-forth-to-you-an/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [This is my philosophy on all life, not just when it comes to love. All the best things are terrifying, but that's why they're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/this-is-my-philosophy-on-all-life-not-just-when-it-comes-to-love-all/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness... We are the Lord’s hands here…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/we-are-surrounded-by-those-in-need-of-our-attention-our-encouragement/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [You have a heritage honor it. You have posses a testimony share it. You will face temptations withstand it. You know the truth live…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/you-have-a-heritage-honor-it-you-have-posses-a-testimony-share-it-you/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [We learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/we-learn-and-grow-and-become-stronger-as-we-face-and-survive-the/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) > [I am certain that the Lord, who notes the fall of a sparrow, looks with compassion upon those who have been called upon to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-s-monson/i-am-certain-that-the-lord-who-notes-the-fall-of-a-sparrow-looks-with/) [Thomas S. Monson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) [Explore all 586 Thomas S. Monson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-s-monson/) ## More Glances quotes > [One glance and I knew exactly who and what he was. The classic alpha male, the kind who had spurred evolution forward about five…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lisa-kleypas/one-glance-and-i-knew-exactly-who-and-what-he-was-the-classic-alpha/) [Lisa Kleypas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lisa-kleypas/) > [Thy dangerous glances make women of men; new-born, we are melting into nature again.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/thy-dangerous-glances-make-women-of-men-new-born-we-are-melting-into/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [And yes, I'll admit, I am jealous. I'm jealous of every minute you spend with him, of every concerned expression you send his way,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colleen-houck/and-yes-i-ll-admit-i-am-jealous-i-m-jealous-of-every-minute-you-spend/) [Colleen Houck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colleen-houck/) > [The one piece of advice I would give to any actor is, if you want to go out on the street without being recognised,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-radcliffe/the-one-piece-of-advice-i-would-give-to-any-actor-is-if-you-want-to/) [Daniel Radcliffe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-radcliffe/) > [Steadying herself with both hands on the table, she managed an awkward bow… 'Your Highness,' she stammered, head lowered... The prince flinched and cast…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marissa-meyer/steadying-herself-with-both-hands-on-the-table-she-managed-an-awkward/) [Marissa Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marissa-meyer/) > [Rich men are resolved to be astonished at nothing. When they see a masterpiece, they must needs at one glance recognize some flaw to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/honor-de-balzac/rich-men-are-resolved-to-be-astonished-at-nothing-when-they-see-a/) [Honore de Balzac](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/honor-de-balzac/) > [So here I sit in the early candle-light of old age-I and my book-casting backward glances over out travel'd road.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walt-whitman/so-here-i-sit-in-the-early-candle-light-of-old-age-i-and-my-book/) [Walt Whitman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walt-whitman/) > [“They are not brave, the days when we are twenty-one. They are full of little cowardices, little fears without foundation, and one is so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daphne-du-maurier/they-are-not-brave-the-days-when-we-are-twenty-one-they-are-full-of/) [Daphne du Maurier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daphne-du-maurier/) > [She glances back before stepping into the alley, and she catches her grandfather looking at her the way he does sometimes--as if she's already…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julianna-baggott/she-glances-back-before-stepping-into-the-alley-and-she-catches-her/) [Julianna Baggott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julianna-baggott/) > [And all my days are trances, And all my nightly dreams Are where thy dark eye glances, And where thy footstep gleams-- In what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-allan-poe/and-all-my-days-are-trances-and-all-my-nightly-dreams-are-where-thy/) [Edgar Allan Poe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-allan-poe/) > [Things are only mannequins and even the great world-historical events are only costumes beneath which they exchange glances with nothingness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-benjamin/things-are-only-mannequins-and-even-the-great-world-historical-events/) [Walter Benjamin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-benjamin/) > [In his bleak mercy, Death forever strips The soul of light and memory, rendering blind Our vision, lest surmounted deeps appal, As when on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clark-ashton-smith/in-his-bleak-mercy-death-forever-strips-the-soul-of-light-and-memory/) [Clark Ashton Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clark-ashton-smith/) > [Children do not grow up all of a piece; look for the child of seven, especially to take many backward glances at the way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caroline-pratt/children-do-not-grow-up-all-of-a-piece-look-for-the-child-of-seven/) [Caroline Pratt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caroline-pratt/) > [Where the wave of moonlight glosses The dim gray sands with light, Far off by furthest Rosses We foot it all the night, Weaving…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-butler-yeats/where-the-wave-of-moonlight-glosses-the-dim-gray-sands-with-light-far/) [William Butler Yeats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-butler-yeats/) > [There are houses in certain provincial towns whose aspect inspires melancholy, akin to that called forth by sombre cloisters, dreary moorlands, or the desolation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/honor-de-balzac/there-are-houses-in-certain-provincial-towns-whose-aspect-inspires/) [Honore de Balzac](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/honor-de-balzac/) Browse all 580 Glances quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Glance backward, look heavenward, reach outward, press onward", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Thomas S. 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