Look Through the Windshield

“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”

Genesis 19:26

The motto for my high school graduating class was, “Looking Forward, Not Backward.” As teenagers entering a new chapter in our lives, our eyes were glazed over with futuristic dreams and endeavors. Despite the fact that we were nervously anticipating what was ahead, we were determined to look ahead and not behind. Even though at that time, the past was only a short distance in our rearview.

Now as adults with many years and experiences under our belts, it probably has been quite difficult to remember the motto and even more difficult to apply it. Because it is so tempting to constantly look through the rearview mirror of life and to reflect on hurtful or painful situations. We may think about disappointments and those who mistreated us or think about the days of struggle and lack.

Reflecting, in and of itself, is not a bad thing however, especially if we only use it as a mile marker to measure our progress or to make course corrections. On the other hand, if we allow reflecting on negative circumstances to cause us to be depressed or retaliatory, it isn’t a good or healthy thing.

On a vehicle, the windshield is much larger than the rearview mirrors. It was designed for the driver to see more looking forward than looking backward because it’s the direction that the vehicle moves most often. Looking through the windshield helps the driver stay on course and prepare for what’s ahead.

Likewise, our days should focus on forward movement. Our eyes should be set on where we are going in life and our minds anticipating any course changes we might need to make. By doing so, we can avoid costly mistakes and setbacks. Constantly, looking in the past impedes our progress and can load us down with regret, anxiety and frustration. Such thinking isn’t profitable for a healthy and vibrant future.

I believe Paul, the Apostle, was a man who looked through the windshield of life. That’s why he could declare at the end of his journey, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…” (2 Timothy 4:7). On the other hand, Scripture admonishes us to “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:22).

Do you have a tendency to look through the rearview mirror of life? Applying these tips should help you to look forward and not backward:

– Forgive the offender.
– Forgive yourself.
– Learn from your mistakes and let them go.
– Be grateful for each experience, positive or negative.
– Remember that you are not alone; others have had similar experiences.
– Be determined to finish well.

Pray…

Lord, it’s not always easy to keep my sights set on the future. Please give me the strength to look through the windshield of life and not through the rearview mirror.

Posted by on Friday, April 14th, 2017 @ 4:25PM
Categories: Inspirational