I have a friend that is a great source of inspiration to me. She has experienced more in a short amount of time than most people encounter their whole lives. She mentioned to me right before the holidays that she was anticipating 2010 and what it would bring. She shared that she desires her rear view mirror to be small and her windshield to be large. I love that attitude! When you think about that statement it makes all the sense in the world. How many times have I been so busy looking in my “very large” rear view mirror that my windshield has become small….with hardly a glance forward? Sometimes I get so focused on my past I forget to look forward! I realize I should certainly learn from my past and I can share that part of my story but it can’t be my focus. Looking forward…..through my windshield….to what comes next- that’s my focus! I am amazingly blessed with a God who loves me; an amazing, crazy family; and these beautiful, inspiring people that God has intersected my life with theirs. It’s an important balance of “living” every moment and anticipating the future!
As I look to 2010 I find myself at peace with life’s experiences and ready for what’s next. I’m joining my friend in a prayer that my rear view mirror stays small and my focus is through the windshield in front of me! I understand that there will continue to be sorrow and tough days. (Although there are a lot of things I don’t understand! ) God didn’t promise me treasures here in this life but He did promise a plan for my life and a relationship with Him that’s enough to sustain me through anything. I don’t imagine Paul or Stephen or John could have imagined the hardships and trials of their lives when they chose to follow God’s call. But I can’t really believe when they got to the end of their story here on this earth that they would have wanted it any other way! What came next….in heaven…..was more than they ever could have imagined! I’ve lived enough life to know those rough times come and life’s journey and my story will be painful…maybe even more than I expected. I’m starting to understand what joy and contentment is like and it’s not something you trade on or barter over. It just is….it’s this thing that invades your soul.
It is comfort to the pain of living and learning!
My hope is that you find in 2010-your focus in what brings you joy; that your story is filled with people that love you and people who commit to share the journey with you.
