With 2018 in our rear view mirrors, we look ahead with great expectations of a new year filled with blessings, happiness and a greater understanding of our purposes.
This past holiday season I was privileged enough to escape the frigid winter of Minnesota and the possible occurrence of Jack Frost nipping at my nose to experience Christmas in the land of sun, sand and sea – The Bahamas.
I don’t take it for granted that I’m able to return home and spend the holidays with the ones I love.
In the midst of enjoying the holly jolly festivities of the season I took some time out to reflect on what was. Have you ever noticed that embedded in cars are many devices that help us to see. Some help us to look forward, others assist us in looking back, and some help us to glance at what’s besides us. Although they serve very specific functions they all share one common objective and that is to help us to see so that we can reach our destination.
There is one particular reflector I would like to focus on and that is the rear view mirror. Yes, our windshield and side view mirrors are important, but imagine trying to maneuver without being able to glance back here and there to remind ourselves that we’re on the right path or that we’re backing into a particular situation correctly. Just as our rear view mirrors are key to driving and reaching our ultimate destination so is personal reflection in our lives for continued growth.
Often we don’t want to look back because we don’t want to be reminded of some of the mistakes we’ve made or revisit the pain we’ve experienced, but a glance back helps us to move forward whether we want to believe it or not. The key is to just take a moment to see how far you’ve come but not to dwell on what’s behind you.
8 things I learned in 2018:
- My faith is greater than my fears.
- Preparation will save you a lot of pain and unnecessary stress.
- Commit to what you love.
- Just get started.
- Struggle builds Strength.
- Perseverance produces character.
- You are where you are for a reason.
- Nothing is too hard for God.
With a year of lessons behind us, it’s time to do what the good apostle Paul has admonished, that is to forget the former and press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Just as with rear view mirrors, we take a glance back and continue moving forward. Whatever we saw behind us, we use that information to help us carefully navigate ahead. As we move into a New Year of new adventures, new discoveries, new ideas, and new opportunities we look back on 2018 and remember all that we’ve learned as our One True Guide steers us into our life’s divine purposes.
Up & Above 
Awesome read. I think the problem is that most were taught that things in the past were meant stay there. So there is a stigma about the figurative rearview being viewed as a hell sent. For some when they use it they can only see the bad memories of losses, heartbreaks and too many wrong turns. Most have have difficulty filtering out the highlights.
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Thank you. Exactly we’ve been conditioned to think that the past is awful but in reality the lessons of the past should be an impetus for moving forward!
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I enjoyed reading your blog “Glance Back”
It was truly inspirational.
I was encouraged not to dwell on the hurts and pains of looking back, but to “Glance Back” to see how far I’ve come.
I am definitely looking ahead in 2019 with Great Expectation.
Shalom
CLR
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Yes! We’ve come this far and greater is ahead!
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Well written! And, so true. Our past is often a guide of what to avoid in future. And, the past reminds us of what we survived or conquered. It will remind you of your inner strengh and resilience and brings us one step closer to success.
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