Looking Back

After riding around in a rental car for a month and driving my daughter’s new used car while fixing it up, I have an all new appreciation for MY car. As my ass was hugged by the driver’s seat of MY Altima, it said, “Ahhhhh!” Prior to being without my car for a month, I didn’t feel an attachment for her. I didn’t dislike my car but I was indifferent. The first reunion ride in my car filled me with unexpected joy and contentment

This got me to thinking about all of the other things I may not being appreciating as I should. Why does it seem easier and more natural to focus on what I don’t have, where I want to be, and what’s missing in my life than what I’ve accomplished and what I do have? How do I forget the highs so quickly and linger so long on the lows? It takes me back to when we were kids and would start making our Christmas lists in January. I, along with my cousin, would get the JC Penney catalog and turn page by page picking out what we wanted and in what color. Christmas day would come and we would open our gifts with excitement over the new bike or cabbage patch kid. A week later the dust would start collecting on our new treats and we would be salivating over the anticipated next best thing.

I noticed when a difficulty arises it seems insurmountable and I forget overcoming prior hardships. I was feeling frustrated with the finances and not being able to take a planned trip when I had to remember (…ok, be reminded) I’d already been on two trips this year. Then I started thinking about all I’d done this year alone and it’s only July. How could I have forgotten my first NFL game, rodeo, and trips to Atlanta? How could I have lost sight of my new freedoms and the fact I’m living alone for the first time ever in life (yes, first time ever at age 35). I have so much to be thankful for.

This also reminded me of Pastor Jim teaching me the importance of tracking accomplishments and looking back. In the Old Testament, God would have the people build altars at places of great victories to not only give thanks but to remember the win; especially when faced with a new challenge. I need to get started on my list!

Funk-O-Meter = 1.5