Summer means pools, picnics and patio parties viewing magnificent sunsets.  

Summer also means my close friend and I can meet for lunch. 

She is a kindergarten teacher so come August our time together is relegated to evenings and weekends.  

Time spent with her is always uplifting, inspiring and fun. 

She exudes elegance, positivity and authenticity and lives life with a contagious enthusiasm and infectious joy.  

Recently in a conversation we were discussing a painful event she had endured and she said something that resonated with me.  

She commented “Well that’s in my rearview mirror and I am moving forward.”

And she did.  

Instantly I recalled a favorite scripture.  

Paul wrote that he was “forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” ( Phil 3:13-14).  

We are also encouraged to “not remember the former things . . .” because  “behold, I will do a new thing . . .” (Isa 43:19). 

Much of life belongs in our rearview mirrors. 

Learning life-changing lessons in our failures, mistakes, toxic relationships and poor choices is wise and necessary.  

Failure to learn results in living life on “repeat” in a vicious cycle of the same mistakes, toxic relationships and poor choices leaving us emotionally depleted with our self-esteem in shambles.  

Grudges, resentment, emotional wounds, bitterness and anger if not placed in the rearview mirror will negatively impact our daily lives.  

Today is the day to forgive others, forgive yourself and forget what lies behind you.

Had Paul focused on his past we would be without three quarters of the New Testament.

A favorite quotes says “Don’t look back.  You aren’t going that way.”  

And I would add that if you are going to look back let it be simply to see how far God has brought you.

So, today what or who needs to be viewed from your rearview mirror?

What lies ahead that you desire that you can daily press towards that will result in the life you long for?

I encourage you to forget the past and focus on the present detailing exactly what you want from this moment on and always trusting that yes God is doing a new thing indeed. 

Sandra Hubbard

The Chic Creative