Windshield or Rear-view Mirror
Apparently, I am a broken record. When I retired from UPS, the team gave me a list of phrases I used over and over dubbed “michael-isms”. One of my favorites is “There is a reason the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror”.
We can learn from the past, but we can’t change it. We can dwell in a “should of, could of, would of, if only I’d” mindset, or we can take action. We can rationalize our mistakes, our
sins, and repeat them, or we can stop choosing to sin and choose to change. We can get our only joy from things that occurred decades ago, or we can create new successes, new
memories. We can live in the rearview mirror, or we can look out the windshield and impact our future.
The same is true for how we treat others. Do we hold grudges and not give second chances or do we forgive and actually forget or at least move on? Do we tell people everything they “do wrong” or do we provide solutions, ideas, support, and help them to impact their future? Do we look at those less fortunate and say, “well they must have made bad
choices” or do we offer a loving hand and encouragement?
Thankfully, God has the largest windshield. He forgives unconditionally when we ask. He provides us the framework and tools for a positive Christian life full of love. He wants us to glance in the rearview for we learn from the past, but focus on what is ahead. His Son is THE example. Jesus loved and forgave sinners, helped the exiled, and challenged everyone to join Him to change this world.
The choice is ours. Reside in the past or live and love in the windshield. Want to change the broken world, whether personal, local, and larger? Choose to follow the golden rule.
Choose to be Christ to someone each and every day.