Most close friends over my life span have been and are reasonable, positive men and women who have learned the value of understanding the importance of using the present to shape the future. Tom Gentry has mastered this principle. Here is a gem from Tom:
"Why is a car's windshield so large and rear view mirror so small? Because our past is not as important as our future, so look ahead and move on."
Tom has helped me on more than one occasion to reverse the view from the mirror to the windshield. While mirrors are very important in safe driving, you will soon be a mess if your focus is on the mirror.
Our past is a part of our life and a slight glance in the mirror to see if something is overtaking us, something that we can do something about is helpful. The windshield helps us to see all the things in our path and we learn to recognize the obstacles and pass them or in some cases stop and figure out just how to get around them.
The Apostle Paul prefers the windshield approach:
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
