Windshield

Recently I was in a conversation with a friend about living in the present. He said, “Remember, the windshield is larger than the rearview mirror.” While it may be helpful, from time to time, to glance into the past, but dwelling in the past can be harmful. Past mistakes cannot be corrected; we can learn from the past, but cannot repeat it. Nor was the past “the good old days.” Good was there, and is important for building onto. But dwelling in the past detracts from the present.

Cars did not have a windshield as standard equipment until 1904. Even then, for about ten more years windshields were optional. The name “Windshield” seems to describe its function, but that is only part of it. Its critical use is to assure that the driver can see the road ahead clearly enough to drive safely. As cars were able to go faster than ten MPH, wind, dust, bugs, debris, etc. obstructed the driver’s view. So, although wind caused by a speeding car is a huge issue, the driver’s ability to see the road and obstacles ahead comes first.

Which brings me to the point at hand; the windshield is larger than the rearview mirror—for a reason. It provides that wide, unobstructed view of the road ahead. The rearview mirror is for seeing the road behind; although it is not entirely essential; it is important—even though, to an extent, in an emergency one could drive a vehicle with a limited rear view. One certainly could not accomplish any journey safely by only looking in the rearview mirror.

I find it less less helpful looking back on the past than looking circumspect at the present, which could also help prepare for the future. When I taught Driver Safety for AARP, part of the curriculum included emphasis on “situation awareness;” know what is going on around you with a sense of readiness for what is, or could be happening. Although it did entail glancing into the rearview mirror, the focus was on the present situation.

Jesus counseled both. Do not dwell on the past. He said, dwelling on the past renders one unworthy of the Kingdom of God. Such distraction wastes valuable time and energy. Jesus focused on the Present. In reality, the past is gone and cannot be re-lived. Without any hint of contradiction, Jesus also urged his followers to look at the present and assess the future. “Count the cost” he said, not to discourage a worthy venture, but to gain a realistic assessment of the venture or enterprise facing you.

The Apostle Paul was adamant about not clinging to the past, but pressing on; much lay ahead of him; in a word, the best is yet to come. This driving force not only beckoned him, but also powered him in mission. Brother Lawrence, that monastery cook from the 17th century learned to live joyfully in the present. He was often consulted for guidance. He wrote, “Let us thus think often that our only business in this life is to please GOD, that perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity.”

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2022