Saturday, December 24, 2016

OnFire #345 Unbroken Rear View Mirror

OnFire #345 Unbroken Rear View Mirror

A few weeks ago I was backing up between two rows of trees and knocked the driver’s rear view mirror off. I was trying to be careful, but evidently, I wasn’t careful enough and drifted over too far on my side. Crunch. The mirror itself broke off and fell to the ground, while the housing pushed forward and broke in several places. I will need a new mirror assembly.

My pride was a little wounded, but these things happen, as people say. No big deal in the grand scheme of things.

I am really missing that mirror, however.  I did not have a lot of time before Christmas break to locate another, and so the task is still undone.  In the meantime, I must be extra careful while driving.

I did not realize how often I check my mirror. Of course there are the regular times, like when changing lanes or merging into traffic, but often I look for situational awareness. This is a good thing – it is good to know where traffic is around me.

I was thinking about this in terms of Christmas and New Year.  At this time of year we take a look in the rear view mirror, so to speak, to the events of Jesus’ early life.  When Jesus came to us as a baby, it was as God in the flesh. This personally means so much to me, with John 1:1-18 being my favourite verses in all of scripture. God came to us, lived among us, and then died for us. It made such an impression upon my young life that I made a commitment to follow Jesus which I have honoured for over 35 years now.

And then at New Year, we take a look back over the past year to evaluate, give thanks, and contemplate the next twelve months. It was a milestone year in so many ways, with my first marathon, finishing chaplaincy requirements, and being part of the United Way planning team. As I look ahead I have some goals in mind, but, honestly, I’m really just looking for life to even out a little so I can concentrate more on my tasks at hand instead of running from thing to thing.

It is good to look back. We need that rear view look from time to time to give us perspective on where we are going.

In this Christmas season, may we find new joy in the present by looking back upon Jesus. And as we approach the new year, may we start it with gratitude and anticipation because we have seen and noticed all that God has already done. In this way we need the rear view perspective.

I hope this helps. Be on fire.

Troy

OnFire is a letter on faith and character written by Troy Dennis.  Married  to Jan, Troy is a chaplain and has more than 20 years of pastoral experience. This letter published Dec 24, 2016. *New International Version. To subscribe, unsubscribe, or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Blog located at www.onfireletter.blogspot.com