[A new one] The last time I saw my great friend Ox was after I dropped him off at O’Hare Field for his flight back to Dallas. As I drove away, I saw him in the rear view mirror. He stood there – waving. I honked the horn and drove on. A few months later, he died. My last view of Ox was in the rear view mirror. . . .

It is interesting how the universe of our lives is forever recorded in the rear view mirror. My 10 year old birthday party. The junior prom. Off to college. Meeting Donna. Marriage. Our daughter. Granddaughters. It’s all in the rear view mirror – as is yesterday. And each one of us has a rear view mirror – chock full of life that has gone by.

I’ve read that some folks are overly focused on the past – instead of the future. To dwell on past mistakes or failure – and being held back by a belief that the past dictates the future. Then too, reliving achievements and success can lead to complacency – and a reluctance to try new things.

Probably the best counsel we can receive is to acknowledge the past without letting it get in the way. Our past story does not necessarily determine the future. Best to be grateful for each new day. And live to make a difference. Life is like a painting. It’s never finished until that last bit of paint is applied. Mistakes can be covered – and and the good enhanced. Seeking to make life a masterpiece.

It’s okay to look at the rear view mirror – but it’s best to look out the windshield. Today is a brand new day . . . .