“We all have blind spots – those areas for improvement and growth. As painful as it can be to admit we’re doing things we never wanted to do and saying things we never wanted to say, it is this acknowledgement that enables us to take the first step toward change. Be gentle with yourself. Be real with yourself. Take baby steps.”― Rhonda Louise Robbins
We’ve all been there. Happily driving along the road looking ahead and about to change lanes. As we’re coming over…we hear a horn sound. Another car is in our BLIND SPOT. It’s startling. You become frustrated at yourself for what you didn’t or couldn’t see coming. You’re relieved that the BLIND SPOT – the area where your view was obstructed, didn’t cause a severe accident. Figuratively, a blind spot is an area where someone lacks understanding or impartiality. Sometimes relational blind spots can cause harm or injury. Everyone has blind spots, areas where our ‘view’ of a situation is obstructed by feelings, pride, shame, or defenses to shield us from the past.To the left is an instrument used in psychology called the Johari Window. It reveals how each person has places in their life that are OPEN—known to yourself and others, HIDDEN—known to yourself but not known to others, BLIND SPOTS—not known to yourself but known to others, and UNKNOWN—not known to yourself nor others.
Because our knowledge of ourselves is partial, and our knowledge of others is even less…Jesus instructed us not to judge, “Refuse to be a critic full of bias toward others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you’ll be judged by the same standard that you’ve used to judge others. The measurement you use on them will be used on you. 3 Why would you focus on the flaw in someone else’s life and fail to notice the glaring flaws of your own? 4 How could you say to your friend, ‘Let me show you where you’re wrong,’ when you’re guilty of even more? 5 You’re being hypercritical and a hypocrite! First acknowledge and deal with your own ‘blind spots,’ and then you’ll be capable of dealing with the ‘blind spot’ of your friend.” (Matt. 7:1-5, TPT) Webster says the phrase, “Stay in your own lane,” advises against expressing thoughts or opinions on subjects about which one has insufficient knowledge or ability. In driving as well as in life—staying in your lane is the safest course of action.
