Nan's Calendar

by      Nan Forehand,  Statesville, NC    

"The car you drive has a large windshield, but only a relatively small rearview mirror. The implication is obvious: What happened in your past is not nearly as important as what is in your future. Where you are going is much more important than where you've been. "

~ Joel Osteen, Become a Better You

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

Put yesterday in its proper place.  Learn from it and let it go.  As you move forward,  many of your memories of yesterday will diminish in importance.  Hold onto the good memories and make a plan to forget the unpleasant memories as quickly as you can. 
For many people, today consists of looking through a window at the world, seemingly protected by the small pane of glass between them and the unknown the world has to offer.  Whether they realize it or not, fear consumes them to the point of becoming withdrawn and staying inside their homes.  They may be people who have faith in God and they may also be people who don't know the Lord.  We are to be gentle with them as they take those first small steps beyond the door and greet them with warmth and compassion.  What great joy is theirs when they step out into the world, knowing God is with them and they realize they have nothing to fear.  To let go of fear is liberating.  I know this from first-hand experience myself.
Recently, I rejoiced with a person who shared a similar scenario with me.  I was elated upon hearing this person speak and I witnessed a glowing of the spirit within.  It was a glorious experience for both of us!  The person was seemingly "so-so" at first, and by the end of the conversation, had been lifted to the mountaintop!
Even though our windshield to the world may seem large to us, it is tiny in comparison to what God sees before Him.  In order to drive safely, we must keep the windshield clean.  The windshield on my car has several nicks in it from rocks.  They are small nicks now, but there may come a time when one of those nicks becomes larger to the point of major damage.  It may become necessary to replace the windshield when a crack worsens to the point of warranting total replacement rather than a minor repair. 
In order to see clearly, we must keep our windshield clean and provide the necessary maintenance required.  There are also times when a bird drops a prize on my windshield and  wiper fluid and a vigorous attempt at using the blades isn't strong enough to remove the remnants.
It takes a conscious effort to maintain a spiritual windshield and keep it clean and keep it in proper order.  Before we can see around the next bend, we must be able to see what is in front of us now.  The quicker we can see clearly what is right before our eyes, the quicker we can progress toward the future with confidence and surety of purpose.
Take care and be sure to keep your windshield clean!  Love, Nan