Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what I might call the spirituality of taillights.
For much of my life, I’ve focused on cultivating the spirituality of headlights. That is—the desire to discern where I’m going. Headlight spirituality is rooted in faith and hope: a belief that if you cling to the right vision, trust God’s promises, and stay attuned to His activity, you’ll be able to navigate your life’s direction—and at times, help guide those journeying with you.
This is a vital way of understanding our walk with God. It’s how we move into our vocation. In our early years, we often travel alongside many others—family, mentors, peers. Growing up means learning to steer our own path, take the turns life presents, and, eventually, assume responsibility for those entrusted to our care on the road of life.
But there’s another kind of spirituality worth developing: the spirituality of taillights.
This emerges when we witness someone moving forward on their own journey—apart from us. And that requires a different kind of faith and hope. It can look like:
- Watching children gradually step into independence.
- Transitioning careers and entrusting your work and legacy to those who will carry it forward.
- Surrendering a loved one into the hands of God after death.
Each of these moments asks us to release a measure of control over where the vehicle is headed. It invites us into a posture of grace: to observe, with love and trust, the unfolding of lives, communities, and missions that once journeyed closely with us.
Headlights help us lead. Taillights teach us to let go.
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