January 3, 2021
Early January can be a time of looking forward to a new year. But for some of us, we can slide into reviewing regrets.
Rachel Poirer coined the term kindsight, a way of looking at past failures, disappointments, and hurts with…you guessed it: kindness.
We say that hindsight is 20/20, and in some ways that is true. Decisions and actions seem more clear, for good or ill. Results are evident.
However, if we do not view all this with kindness for others and ourselves, then looking back can be an exercise in bitterness or discontent.
This sort of exercise does not lead to health and strength, but instead can lead to emotional, mental, and spiritual problems.
The writer of the letter to the Hebrews said we would miss the grace of God if we let a “poisonous root of bitterness grow up” to trouble us and others. (Chapter 12: 15 NLT)
God is kind and well able to weave His purposes with our imperfections and those who affect us.
Look back with kindness. Look at today with gratitude. Look ahead with hope.
