Rear View Mirror
by Some people live their life by constantly looking in the rear view mirror of their mind.
Reflecting daily or even frequently on the things which have caused you mental, physical, or spiritual wounds is a good way for these never to heal. You have to forgive the person who inflicted these ASAP, like within minutes after the hurt was inflicted. The longer you wait to forgive, the harder it is to forgive: if you fail to forgive you will become depressed, angry, bitter and maybe revengeful. And something more costly will occur – God will not forgive you.
“…if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will you Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15 RKJV
It seems like my life has been one hurt after another. I use to dwell on these letting them fester (that is how I know they will fester). I became bitter, angry, depressed and this in turn short circuited me from fellowship with God. I became a drifter spiritually not knowing really what I believed for sure or what the Bible actually said about any one of a dozen issues.
But when you belong to God and honestly want His fellowship and presence in your life, He will lead you back, even if it is by the way of “Rocky Cliffs”. Forgiveness is paramount. Not dwelling on past negatives and hurts is crucial; saturating your self with His Word is extremely important, and fellowship with other believers serves to edify and encourage.
Benefits from Looking Into the Rear View Mirror
If you must look into your mind’s rear view mirror, do so to reflect upon the wonderful things in your past:
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Good memories are like good company, they tend to cheer and warm the heart
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Noting how far you have progressed is really encouraging to keep you moving forward
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Look back to see the blessings God has given to you, and how He has stayed with you through thick and thin is gratifying and should cause an outburst of praise.
The rear view mirror of our mind, like the rear view mirror of our car is there to help us learn what is behind us, so we can determine our present situation and plan for the immediate future. It was not designed to stare into to find all the things to worry us and cause fears and anxieties.
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Post CommentBetty Carew
On February 25, 2009 at 6:34 am
So true Catelin I still have a few festers I’m working on but hopefuly someday…… Wonderful article
Catelin Hoover
On February 25, 2009 at 10:38 am
Yaffel
Just keep a positive outlook, and give the “festers” to God…sometimes we have to ask Him multiple times to remove the “roots” of such things. (Kind of like having to hit a weed with Round-Up multiple times before it is totally dead and out of our garden.)
Karen Gross
On February 25, 2009 at 11:07 am
Excellent article, Catelin! One of my favourite mottos is:
– Forgiveness for yesterday
– Strength for today
– Hope for tomorrow
I like your analogy of hitting a weed a few times before you kill the root.
Pete Macinta
On February 25, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Excellent. We need to look forward to Jesus.
Eunice Tan
On February 26, 2009 at 1:55 am
Very interesting and true.
Juhls
On February 27, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Catelin: This is an excellent piece. I like the positive and practical nature of it. Your analogy of the rear view mirror is great. It is easy to get caught up in the past. But life is really in the present, so it is easy to lose our days over regrets from the past and worries for the future. I don’t think it is rare that one can always be in the present, but it is a good reminder to keep a positive outlook and not dwell on things which we cannot change.
Hehe, totally unrelated — you asked whether I iron clothes — but I never iron mine… I quite detest the task ; ). But I try to wear clothes that are kind of low maintenance, so that is how I get away with it, hehe.
goodselfme
On February 27, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Much wisdom in this well composed write. Thank you for the lessons and the uplifting part too.
teachersmith
On March 1, 2009 at 10:30 am
i did quite like this, especially the fact that men make better company. i may take issue with some bits (no prizes fro guessing which bits catelin) but on the whole i have to agree with your sentiments. life is for living. i still wear ironed clothes though.
Catelin Hoover
On March 1, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Thanks All
Julesita somehow my dad still likes to wear cotton or cotton blend shirts that are starched and iron. And I have some clothes that are just “reporachable” to wear unless ironed. Then there are table clothes, dinner napkins, etc, etc., etc. (The three etc. are a line from Yule Brenner in King and I…couldn’t help quoting it! Heehee
teachersmith…
Glad you liked this article, friend.
Yeah some of us need our clothes ironed…guess it comes from the “old school” of being “fetched up”.