Taking a Glance in Your Rearview Mirror

Happy Monday to our CFC Family!

Each workday, I usually have an enjoyable drive from Winnipeg to Steinbach along Highway 59—especially during this time of year.

The fresh signs of spring, with trees starting to blossom and farmers preparing their fields for seeding, make the 40-minute commute something I look forward to.  But last Monday’s drive took an unexpected turn.

As I headed down the highway, I began noticing a surprising amount of debris scattered along the road and in the ditches. Large pieces of wall insulation, sheets of plastic, and various bits of building material were everywhere. It was disappointing to see, especially since cleanup crews had just been out the previous week, clearing away the garbage left behind by winter.

As I drove a little farther down the highway, I spotted the likely culprit—a dump truck up ahead, lumbering along. As I got closer, it became obvious: the truck was shedding its load. Bits of debris were flying out, and a massive sheet of insulation was flapping wildly off the side of the box, barely holding on.

I picked up speed and caught up with him near the Île des Chênes turnoff. Pulling alongside, I signaled for him to pull over. Once we both came to a stop, I let the young driver know about the trail of material he was unknowingly leaving behind.

He seemed genuinely caught off guard—completely unaware of the mess behind him—and looked noticeably embarrassed. After he gave a sincere apology, we got back into our separate vehicles and went on our ways.

Later that evening, on my drive home, I noticed that most of the debris had been cleared. I’d like to think he went back and cleaned it up—taking responsibility and doing the right thing. Whatever the case, it’s nice to imagine he did.

Taking responsibility for our actions is always a meaningful and worthwhile endeavor. Like the young truck driver, we can sometimes become so focused on our own lives and destinations that we fail to notice the mess we’re leaving behind. And far too often, it’s others who are left to deal with the aftermath.

The truth is, in Christ, our cleanup has already begun.  That it was his sacrifice and forgiveness that enable our spiritual “clean-ups” to even be possible, but the truth is, we still need to pause and do some honest soul-searching ourselves. Have we unknowingly left behind debris in the form of hurt feelings, unresolved conflict, or the consequences of poor choices? We may not always see it, but with a little humility and God’s help, we can begin to make things right, with Him and with those around us.

I encourage each of us to take time and ask God to reveal the messes we may have created, especially those we might be completely unaware of. Invite the Holy Spirit to gently come alongside you.  He might lovingly whisper;

“Take a look in your rearview mirror. There’s a mess back there that needs attention.”

Just like road crews who are tasked with cleaning out ditches filled with garbage left by others, every mess in life requires someone to clean it up. The sad reality is that many people find themselves having to deal with emotional debris that they themselves didn’t create or cause. Family burdens, unresolved issues, or painful consequences passed down to them, it can be a real mess and difficult to deal with. They’re left to carry weight that was never theirs to bear.

As believers, we are called to be agents of restoration—not only for our own lives, but for the sake of others. Forgiveness isn’t just a gift we receive from God; it’s a gift we’re meant to extend. It’s the starting point of healing in the hearts and lives we touch.

The question is: will we slow down long enough to look back, take ownership, and help clean up what we may have left behind?

As 2 Corinthians 13:5 urges us: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”

May each of us reflect honestly on the impact of our choices—both visible and hidden—and commit ourselves to leave behind not burdens for others to carry, but a legacy of grace, healing, and restoration.

          Have a blessed week and we’ll see you next Sunday!