The Past Is But a Rear View Mirror

“The past is a bucket of ashes.” -Carl Sandburg

“The present contains nothing more than the past, and what is found in the effect was already in the cause.” -Henry Bergson

Rear View Gazing

I can recall the importance of checking every mirror especially the rear view mirror when learning to drive. The angle the mirror is placed in as well as the position helps us with backing up and glancing at oncoming traffic that quickly approaches from behind. But gazing too long limits our vision for what is in front of us. My approach to the rear view mirror was out of fear. I thought, “who is going to hit me when I enter the road?” If we are not careful fear can grip us to the point that it paralyzes us from looking ahead.

The past is as small and narrow as a rear view mirror and though we may look in the past, remaining too long will only limit all that is intended for us. “Most driving instructors suggest checking your mirrors every five to eight seconds with a glance. A glance does not mean studying the mirrors, but more along the lines of a quick check. It’s important not to stare off into your rear-view mirror as you can miss hazards in front of you.” (1) The past should only serve as quick reference check, but it shouldn’t define the journey or destiny.

Just because you faced road blocks, pot holes and ditches in life doesn’t mean the road won’t clear up as you drive on new asphalt. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul shares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (NIV) (2) Being in Christ means we are a new creation and old things have passed away. Continuing to gaze in the rear view mirror hinders your vision from looking forward to all the new things God has in store for you. Each day God has prepared daily fresh manna for you just as He did for the Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt. When you continue to meditate on the old stale bread which is the past, you miss out on what each day will bring you; a new and refreshed blessing ready to pop out the toaster.

It’s important to note that the present is a present and when you learn to enjoy the journey in the now the stresses of life slowly fades away. Recently my son shared an experience with his wife after seeing the movie Marley and Me. It was the story of a Labrador that is adopted in which the family experiences highs and lows. After watching the movie my son and his wife sobbed at the grief of the owners loss of Marley. The emotions that arise are only natural but projecting the same emotion on a loved one or pet you care about is dangerous. My son and his wife allowed themselves to experience something that we all have experienced from one time or another regarding the loss of a loved one, but the past pain should never be shadowed on present relationships. The beauty of a flower should be enjoyed as it blooms and the fragrance cherished. Each glimpse in the rear view mirror of life should be a reminder of the experience, joys and laughs that were allowed to germinate in our lives. God grants us the present day experiences to eliminate the “what if’s” of life if we take hold of it.

Remember your mind is like a shovel. Choose to plant flowers rather than digging holes for a tombstone. The past doesn’t hold all you were meant to be, but what you do in the present and how your thoughts drive you will. In Jeremiah 29:11 God speak to us in this present time to let us know, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”(2) When your thoughts go back to that old car scent, shift back to what God created, the new you; a Lamborghini that is rare and special. Begin to speak to yourself from the affirmations of God’s Word, “God you have given me hope and a future, I am new and old things have passed.”

The past can hold keys to unlock certain tendencies and choices for your habits but it doesn’t mean you have to reside there. Checking your mirrors frequently gives you an adequate mental map of what’s happening on the road. (1) Learn to face the fears of your past by realizing everything that has happened has a purpose and a reason. For example as a father of two I have learned to give my children what I didn’t receive from my parents. Instead of living life with anger of what I missed out on, I chose to ensure my children received the love, support and attention bestowed on me from a loving God. People can only love you at the level they have learned themselves. The journey my dad and mom took to raise us was filled with dirt roads and valleys but I would not rewrite the road trip now that I see the outcome. We all have a chance to change our course if we are willing to look forward to what God has given us to work with. Within you lies gifts and talents that need to be chiseled. Don’t allow the past hurts to burry them.

The power of replacement is transformational to our healing. When negative thoughts arise replace them with good and positive thoughts. Instead of focusing on things that get you down meditate on things that build your spirit. MK Mueller in 8 to Great shares the importance of coming up with three things you are grateful for each day. What I loved about the concept is you are not allowed to repeat anything for which you are grateful. When negative thoughts are replaced with good thoughts it limits negative emotions from rising up and clouding your mind.

Tools to help limit rear view gazing

Limit your view of the past. “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead….”(Philippians 3:1). The past can become a weight we carry. Imagine three forty five pounds plates sitting on a rack at the local gym. One plate represents the past, another the present and finally the last plate represents the future. Each is awkward to carry, yet you are left with a choice….which one will you carry and why? If you choose the present you would be correct! The present is the only plate in life that give you control of your future. What you do in this moment determines the direction you will take in the future. Each turn of the steering wheel takes you to the next destination. The rear view mirror can only serve as a reminder where you once were but not where you are going.
Quick reference check is allowed only to build you up. “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me” (Isaiah 46:9). Only use the past to serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and what He brought you out of. Each past step regardless of the ill that was intended for you will only work for your benefit when directed to His purpose. Our view and desires are narrow in comparison to what God has for us. If you lose sight of the cross you lose sight of your future. Don’t let your life become a foot print in the sand that eventually washes away by the tides of the ocean; but hang up stars in the night sky by the souls you win for eternity as a legacy for all to see. When ever you lose sight of where you are going allow God’s promises to redirect you. “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6. If you have lost your way look to Jesus! If you need truth look to Jesus. If you want clear direction for your future look to Jesus. Allow each glance back to look back into His eyes because just like a shadow He is protecting you.

Reflect and Fuel Up

1. What are past references in the rear view mirror that have distracted you from looking forward?

2. What are some tools you can now apply to avoid from getting distracted looking back?

3. What are some things you can list as past reminders which serve to enrich ?

4. Who will you share these principals with?

resources:

https://www.dempstersqualitycarcare.com/blog/the-importance-of-the-rearview-mirror

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