If you are good driver, you know the value of your car’s rear-view mirror.  You keep focused on what’s ahead while driving but you are also aware of what’s behind you.  Just as we can’t change the past, we can’t change what’s in our rear view mirror, but we can adjust as a result of what we see.

Sometimes we can spend so much time looking back into the past that we lose the opportunities in the present.  We can spend all our time grieving what we did wrong and what we should have done that we didn’t do and as a result our focus is on what we can’t change versus on what we can still change.  Don’t misunderstand me.  We all need to take stock of our lives and reflect carefully on them.  It’s a spiritual blessing to be able to grieve our sins, and we should grieve and confess our sins and then we need to thank Jesus for His great forgiveness and focus on giving God glory with lives focused on the present and the future.  We must look ahead with the confidence and the assurance that we are not alone.  God is with us!  Regardless of the challenges we face, we won’t face them alone.  Jesus will be there with us!

“I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10

As we go forward it’s important to stay focused.  I remember one day having a foolish car accident (not involving another car).  I was driving into my garage and I was distracted looking at the pretty flowers I had planted in my garden when suddenly BOOM!  I  hit the side of the garage and I cracked my side view mirror into the side of the garage.

It’s easy to lose perspective on what we should be focused on.  We can start gazing on the beautiful things that make us feel good, while we forget to address the problems that need our attention right now.

So let us pray.  Holy Lord help us to understand our past errors so that we do not again repeat the same mistakes.   Please give us the grace to grieve our sins, to confess them and to resolve not to repeat them.  Help us to look forward with hope and joy regardless of the challenges and crosses we need to carry today.  I know You are here precious Lord, helping us and guiding us and inspiring us.  Thank You for Your love Holy Jesus.  May Your plan for our lives be fulfilled.  Use us as You will.  We trust in You Jesus!  We love You so much!