I remember a friend of mine telling me that living life is a lot like driving a car. He said that you must keep your eyes on the road and focus on the direction that you are going, but do not forget the importance of your rearview mirror. You need to reflect on where you have been, how you got where you are, and check on those who may be following you.
My journey through out my life has taken me past numerous mile markers, one of which has been fatherhood. As I focus on the road ahead, the importance of remembering those that may be following has really been amplified with the birth of my children.
When my daughter was 8 years old, we were going to the store when an ambulance passed us with sirens blaring and lights flashing. After it passed by, I heard her whispering in the back seat. When I asked her who she was talking to, she told me that she was talking to God and praying for the people in the ambulance that were sick or hurt. I was amazed that at her age she had grown so wise to seek the Lord in prayer for those in need. I told my mom and dad about it and they told me that I should not be surprised because Desi and I have led her down the right path by example. She has learned from what she sees us do and how we act. I was thankful that this was an indicator that we’re doing some things right as her parents.
I was also thankful for my church family. When we baptize our children, we take a vow that we will lead and nurture them. This church takes those vows seriously and have been there as examples for my children. What she has learned about the Lord and prayer has come not only from her mom and dad, but from her church family, who while focusing on the busy road ahead, takes the time to remember to check the rear view mirror, and not lose sight of those who might be following.
Prayer – I pray Lord that you will help us to stay focused on the path that leads to salvation and home to you. In our journey Lord, help us to keep our direction clear and to travel carefully along the way. Remind us Lord to be faithful followers and to step as Jesus would have us step. In all we do as followers of Jesus Christ, let us not lose focus that we have people that are following us who trust that we will lead them down the right path. Let us walk slowly and carefully as we go. In Jesus name – Amen
