Driving lessons: the start of a new year is a good time to determine if we're on the right road.

Let's tear a page out of the driving manual. Rule number one: It's dangerous to drive without a rear-view mirror. Rule number two: It's even more dangerous to drive while looking in the rear-view mirror all the time.

As we move forward into a brand new year, there may be times when we need to look back. This not only shows us where we've been; it can also be a good indicator of where we're going. The start of a new year is a good time to determine if we're on the right road.

So, why not pull over and take a quick glance into the rear-view mirror and examine the road just traveled. See any potholes or places where you had to swerve? Maybe you even picked up a few bruises and scratches along the way.

One of the most powerful medicines that Our Great Physician prescribes is found in 1 John 1:9. He tells us that if we will confess our sins, He's faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In other words: if we'll admit when we've been wrong, and we're sincerely sorry, He's downright eager to forgive. Although we're products of our past, we don't need to live there anymore. We've got a shiny, bright future just ahead of us.

But here comes the rub. Human nature tends to justify itself, even when we do some really crazy driving. "To err is human," says the old adage, "to forgive, divine." I give that saying a slightly different spin. "To err is human. Not to admit it is just plain dumb." Why? Because when we don't admit we've been wrong, chances are very good that, given the same set of circumstances, we'll probably do exactly the same thing again.

One day I was scheduled to speak at a prison chapel in the city of Okeechobee, Florida. I knew the trip from Orlando would take about two hours. I couldn't remember the name of the highway I should be on, but I knew that Okeechobee was south, so I pointed my car in that general direction and went on my way.

After an hour and a half passed with no road signs even mentioning my destination, I decided it was time to find out where I was. I stopped at a convenience store and asked the attendant when I could expect to arrive in Okeechobee. His reply was short and to the point. "Never," he said, "you're going to Miami."

I suppose I should have been offended by his curt comment. But the truth was, I was on the wrong road and would never get to my appointment on time unless I admitted it and changed course.

It's not always easy to admit when you're wrong. But it's the only way to get back on track. So, now is a good time to check that rearview mirror and look back on the year just past. How did it go? Are you on the right road? Or does your driving need to be tweaked here and there? If you had it to live all over again, what decisions would you change?

While we can't live our lives over, Our Great Physician gives us the strength and wisdom to start anew--even though we're carrying our share of scars and baggage. Everyone makes mistakes. But the wise person determines not to keep on making them by taking his or her eyes from the rear-view mirror and carefully, prayerfully studying the road ahead.

So, get on with your journey because now you're ready for the adventures waiting just beyond the bend.

Richard O'Ffill writes from Longwood, Florida, which is 20 minutes or four-and-a-half hours from Orlando depending on which road you take.