No looking back

As some of you know, I drive an older car. I love my car; the kids love my car; it has served us well and is part of the family. Some things don't work; it makes odd noises. I'm not completely sure it is 100% safe all the time. But it is paid for, and has become a treasure. Sometimes. Today, I went out to grab something the kids forgot in the back seat; as I leaned through the car, I bumped the rear view mirror with my head. It falls off. This is the 3rd time it has done this. Both times before, I superglued it back on. This time, the superglue does not hold. All this as I'm preparing an errand run. So, I figure I'll go without a rearview. I've got side mirrors, no worries, but not the one I use most. I realized something in the midst of this -- I look at my reflection as much in the rearview as I do use it to make sure I'm not being pulled over. I check to make sure that my eyes don't have goobers, my nose isn't gross, to admire my handsome mug (hello vanity!), and it is shocking to realize I use it for those purposes as much as I do for safety. So my drive around town was a bit more focused on what was ahead, rather than glancing on occasion at what was behind me, or even at myself.

Thinking on the disciples -- they had to leave behind careers, friends, families. They had to do so without looking back, and maybe even without looking at themselves. The adventure they were called to demanded that they give up themselves and the things that they found comfort in to follow and answer. They had their rearview mirrors taken away, were given focus forward, and had to embrace it in order fulfill the calling of God on their lives. I think I'm going to try focusing forward for a bit and see what happens...it just might make a difference in how I live (and drive!).