Don’t stare in your rear-view mirror
Back when I was learning to drive, I had this really obnoxious drivers-ed instructor who would reach his hand out the open window and smack the roof of the car, sending you into severe shock and making you slam on the breaks. Then he’d lecture you about paying attention to your surroundings, and looking in your rear-view mirror. I know, it didn’t make sense to me either, but I “got” his next point. ”It’s a balance, you have to user your mirror frequently to reference your surroundings, but you should only glance at it… not stare at it.”
Satan would have us do the opposite.
There’s a reason why the rear view mirror is only a very small portion of the size of your overall front-window. It’s because you’re meant to only have your past be there for an occasional reference, only for periodic glimpses back. Your rear view mirror does little to help you navigate the road before you.
But in life, Satan’s design is to have your “rear view mirror” fill your entire forward-facing field of view. In his design, all you see was what you’ve done and where you’ve been. It’s brilliant really, all the time you spend staring at your past, is time you’re not spent preparing for your future, and driving forward to get there. For all the time you spend staring behind you, life is passing you by. Every second your eyes are off the road ahead, is another chance he has to steer you astray.
Past is past. It’s behind you, let it stay. The sacrifice of the Savior has made that possible. It’s what allows you to let your past stay behind you, leaving your attention and your energies free to focus on the road ahead. It’s a spiritual eraser that frees your mind from the memories of your mistakes.
Satan’s plan is to let old things crop up in your mind, causing you to worry, fret, doubt, and lose focus. Once he has you in this mode, his job is far easier. So don’t let him do it.
Half of winning a battle is your ability to predict, anticipate, and recognize the strategies and tactics of your opponent. So when you find your past is becoming your present. Reach up and reset your mirror, and look at the road ahead. You’ll know it when you see it - it’s the road with the Savior at the end, not the desert behind you. Live with hope, and drive with confidence.
6 comments:
This is a great lesson. I'm glad you put it up. It'd make a great FHE topic.
Anne, thanks for the chat on Saturday! It was so nice! Miss you!
So Anne I totally confessed to Ariane that I read you blog, so I figure I can leave comments on it now.
I love this post, it should be sent to the Ensign.
Your kids are so beautiful too. I can not believe how big they are.
Congratulations of your new marriage too. Phil seems awesome.
Lindsay
Wow Annie you are a great writer. Thank you so much for your post it was a amazing. I'm grateful to be your friend and to be your Visiting teaching partner. We are having a lot of fun having Emmie in our home. She is a great kid and super sweet.
Oops sorry Anne I spelled your name wrong on my first post.
This old man has been around, much more than most. This old man has caused himself many many sleepless nights. This old man has endured pain and heartache disproportionate to his years. This old man has looked inside and exposed himself to himself!
This old man knows real happiness when he sees it, and Anne, it sure seems to me you have found something many, no most, never find, a great husband and good kids. This old man knows that is never an accident. This old man could not be happier for you!
This old man knows the price you've paid to find all this.
This old man is your father, who loves you!
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