A friend reminded me the other day of the saying, “there is a reason the windshield is so big and the rearview mirror is so small”. It was his way of reminding me to focus on the hope of what is ahead and not the things of the past that we can’t change anyway. When I got in my car a couple days later, I looked closer at my windshield. I saw the couple recent small chips that I haven’t had repaired, nor one that has been there for years. My car is a 2007 Camry and it has its original windshield, which is amazing. What dawned on me was that even though it has a few imperfections, I can still see without hindrance. Sometimes, we can focus only on those imperfections and want to go back to fix them. Like, another saying, “hindsight is 20/20”. If only things were different, then I wouldn’t have had this struggle or that struggle. It is important to acknowledge those moments in your past that didn’t seem fair, was out of your control, or deeply hurtful that no one else can ever fully understand. This is a challenging journey, one that may need assistance from a licensed therapist. However difficult, it can help to not let those chips become cracks or shatter the windshield. Or help to heal those cracks or moments that shattered you.
We can look to the Bible for countless examples of people who were faced with various struggles. Even after a moment of success like Moses after the Red Sea, seeing the people grumble and even Moses not obeying God’s instruction correctly. Or Elijah, after defeating all the other gods, begs for death to come. We look to those two as having great faith. But it is how they continued on their faith journey, trusting God’s will for them, that gives me and hopefully you, the strength to look forward. It doesn’t mean there won’t be more chips in the windshield, but with God’s help, we can face any struggle. And, don’t forget the importance of supporting others in their struggles. You may not understand exactly what they’re going through, but you can love them through it.
Who in your life can you show love and support to this week?