Nearing the end of our drive back from the Carolinas, my daughter said, “Mom, look behind us!” A glance in my side mirror revealed a fiery sunset. It’s beauty was captivating. I considered stopping. I’ve always loved to watch the sun set. There are times when stopping to enjoy the scenery is just what a weary heart needs, but we needed to get home, so I settled for a quick snapshot in the rearview mirror and focused on the road ahead. And oh, what a beautiful sight it was to at last reach the end of our driveway and watch my girl jump out of the truck, happily reunited with her beloved kitten! There will be another sunset tomorrow, but if I miss the opportunity to be fully present today, I may not get that chance again.
Another new year came this week, bringing with it another wrestling match for my emotions. In the ring, the are two opponents: looking back vs looking ahead. It’s not necessarily an either/or competition, but one must lead and the other must follow. So much of my heart wanted to just sit there in the old year and stare longingly at what once was. I miss him—and the life we had—so much more than I can say. But that’s not going to get me where I need to go. It will serve me so much better to just take a glance back now and again, while remaining fully present in the here and now. Don’t get me wrong; glancing back can be good! I certainly wouldn’t want to change lanes without my mirrors! We need the perspective that is gained through hindsight. There will be more decisions to be made this year, without Jeremy’s wisdom and guidance. That thought frightens me, until I look back on the last year and see how God has provided, prevented and protected at every turn. I look back further and recognize that every beautiful thing I’ve experienced was given by His hand. And that gives me perspective. Knowing what is behind me is helpful! However, a journey is meant to be traveled by looking ahead, with only occasional glances behind. I don’t want to be so fixated on the past that I miss the treasures along the way.
What’s behind me is beautiful, there’s no doubt. But I’ll miss the beauty of what lies ahead if I fix my gaze on the rearview.
In Isaiah 43:18-19, the LORD says, “Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already — you can see it now! I will make a road through the wilderness and give you streams of water there.”
He is with us in the wilderness, friend. And He is already forging a path before us. It’s going to be a beautiful road with streams of living water. Watch for it! Don’t miss what He’s doing all around you; what He’s doing in you; what He longs to do through you. Look to Jesus. Glance occasionally into the past — use it to gain perspective — but don’t wreck the journey.
January 4, 2023