On the third day of Lent, I am grateful for car windows. I have seen many beautiful, scary, crazy, and awe-inspiring things through the windows of my car. Today from my windshield I saw a dark road made shiny by rain, hugging a tree-lined river that led me home. I am so thankful that this is part of my everyday commute.

Whether I am driving to work or to Wisconsin, I love watching the world outside my windows.

I have seen sunrises on lakes.

And sunsets in neighborhoods.

Snow capped churches.

Curious dogs.

Shimmering arches.

Foggy flags.

And Jesus.

Looking forward when we drive is necessary. But seeing what is right in front of us takes a different kind of focus.

I am thankful for all the car windows that have provided a constantly changing panorama of awesome in my life. May this Lenten season bring you half the scary drives and double the views of Jesus.

(A backward glance through a rearview mirror is not a bad idea once in a while.)